Clarence Mahlon Walker
Clarence Mahlon Walker, age 89, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2026, at The Veranda Assisted Living in Carnesville, Georgia, where he had lived since 2022.
Clarence was born in Tamroy, West Virginia, to Mahlon and Jewell Walker. He attended Toccoa Falls High School for his junior and senior years, and it was there that he dedicated his life to missions. He continued his education at Toccoa Falls College from 1954–1958, earning a degree in Biblical Studies. During college, Clarence also discovered a lifelong love of music. He sang and traveled with several musical groups, using his gifts to serve others and to glorify God.
While at Toccoa Falls, Clarence met his first wife, Phyllis Brewster. They were married on August 16, 1957. Before going overseas, they ministered in churches in Hamilton, Ontario (1959–1960) and Nanticoke, Pennsylvania (1960–1962).
In 1962, Clarence and Phyllis moved to Gabon, Africa, where he served faithfully with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Over the years, his ministries were varied and deeply impactful. He served as field director, Bible school director, teacher, dorm parent, business agent, village ministry worker, and church planter. Clarence’s love for people and his desire to see the Gospel proclaimed shaped the lives of many individuals and churches across Gabon.
On February 17, 1979, Clarence experienced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Phyllis, to cancer. Trusting the Lord’s continued call, he returned to the mission field as a single parent with daughter Lauralyn and son Stan, while daughter Deborah remained in college in Holland, Michigan.
During this season in Gabon, Clarence met Marcia Dunn, a missionary nurse from Fort Wayne, Indiana. They were married at Bongolo, Gabon, on June 6, 1980. Clarence and Marcia welcomed two daughters, Cynthia and Stephanie, completing their family.
In 1992, Clarence and Marcia returned to the United States due to Marcia’s health needs, concluding their ministry with the Alliance in 1996. Clarence then joined the staff at Toccoa Falls College, where he served in the Church Ministries department in the Advancement Office until his retirement in 2001. Among his many roles, he especially loved scheduling and traveling with student singing groups – revisiting the same joy he had experienced as a student.
Clarence was an active member of First Alliance Church in Toccoa, Georgia, where he served as an elder and sang in a men’s quartet. His deep faith and love of music continued to bless those around him. Even in his later years at The Veranda, Clarence often sang to encourage others.
On June 4, 2019, Clarence’s beloved wife, Marcia, passed away from cancer. Clarence is survived by his children: Deborah Walker; Lauralyn (Albert) Stombaugh; Stan (Jaynee) Walker; Cynthia (Brannon) Hulsey; and Stephanie (Herschel) Holloway; along with nine grandchildren and many friends and loved ones around the world.
A time of visitation will be held at Whitlock Mortuary on January 8, 2026, from 6pm – 8pm. The family will have a private graveside service. A Celebration of Life service will take place in June when all the family can be present. Details will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Gifts given in this way will go directly to the GCF and will be recorded so the family may be notified.
Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net.
Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Clarence Mahlon Walker.