Mary Clinkscale

February 27, 1951 – July 25, 2026

Elder Mary Holloway Clinkscale, a devoted woman of God, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and revered spiritual leader, passed away peacefully on July 25, 206. Known for her profound faith, powerful ministry, and unwavering commitment to her family, she leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and prayer.

Early Life and Education

Elder Clinkscale was born on February 27, 1951, to the late Samuel and Elder Emma Holloway. At the age of three, her family moved to Kinston, North Carolina, and later relocated to Winterville, North Carolina, when she was six. She attended Robinson Union School through the ninth grade and graduated from Ayden High School in 1969. Following her graduation, the family returned to New Haven, Connecticut, which would become the cornerstone of her life, career, and ministry.

Career and Family Life

In October 1969, following a brief tenure as a nursing aid at Golden Manor, Elder Clinkscale began a dedicated career with the United States Postal Service. She served faithfully for over thirty years until she chose to resign to provide full-time care for her beloved handicapped son.

In September 1991, she married Collis Clinkscale. Together, they raised five children. Elder Clinkscale was a devoted mother to Tyla R. Holloway, Winston Holloway, Mary Holloway, and Theresa Clinkscale, all of New Haven, Connecticut, and was preceded in death by her son, Collis Clinkscale, Jr., on February 7, 2010. She was also the proud and blessed grandmother of Daniel, Jr., Taiya Jett, and Malachi Clinkscale.

She is survived by a large, loving family, including her fourteen siblings: James I. Pierce (Atlanta, GA), Margaret Hawkins (Miami, FL), Ann See, Sally Richmond (St. Lucie, FL), Rev. Samuel (Lori) Holloway (NC), Rev. Willie (Myts) Holloway (Atlanta, GA), Mary David Holloway (Atlanta, GA), Christine Holloway (Tucson, AZ), and Minister Ervin Holloway (New Haven, CT). She was preceded in death by her siblings Hattie Nash, Giarie Wilson, Emma LaSane, and William Holloway.

A Life of Faith and Ministry

Elder Clinkscale’s spiritual journey began at the young age of thirteen when she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior, marking her historic 50th spiritual birthday in 2014. Raised in the United Holy Church of America, she remained a steadfast and loyal servant of the denomination throughout her entire life.

Her early ministry included faithful service at St. Rest Holiness Church in Winterville, North Carolina, under Elder Laurel Henderson, and Mount Hope Temple United Holy Church in New Haven, Connecticut, under the leadership of the late Bishop Jeremiah Covington and later Bishop John C. Wright.

Driven by missionary zeal, she traveled to Jamaica, Haiti, and Puerto Rico to spread the Gospel. While serving at Faith Temple Revival Center in Hamden, Connecticut, under the late Rev. Willamina Redmond, she directed the choir, taught Sunday School, and served as a missionary. Following divine instruction from the Holy Spirit, she inspired the founding of Christ Temple Deliverance Church, where her mother, the late Elder Emma Holloway, was chosen to pastor.

In 2001, Elder Clinkscale was officially ordained during the New England District Convocation under the leadership of the late Bishop Lowell Edney and Bishop John C. Wright.

For the past twenty years, Elder Clinkscale served under watch care at Victory Temple, initially under the late Elder John T. Daniley, Sr., and currently under Elder Darlene Hayes Daniley. She was a pillar of the church community, serving dynamically as an Associate Minister, an Evangelistic Team member, and a Sunday School Teacher.

Legacy

Blessed with the spiritual gift of exhortation, Elder Clinkscale was an anointed woman of God who was always ready to preach the Word of God. She was a true prayer warrior who believed deeply in the transformative power of prayer. Her commitment to the Lord, her church, and her family remains an enduring inspiration to all who knew her.

Services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Victory Temple, 57 St. Mary's Street, Hamden, CT viewing at 10:00 am, services at 11:00 am. Condolences may be expressed to Colonialfunerals.com.