Clarence Ezell Boykins

Clarence Ezell Boykins 

April 15, 1943 – May 3, 2025, 

Clarence Ezell Boykins, born on April 15, 1943, in Miami, Florida, transitioned peacefully from this life to eternal rest on May 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was joyfully welcomed into eternity by his brother Nathan, sister Pernela, and beloved mother Evelyn Yvonne Gibson, who preceded him in death. Those who had the honor of knowing Clarence—or even simply knowing of him—were abundantly blessed by his infectious smile, profound wisdom, unmatched leadership, and a generosity rarely seen in this world. Whether you met Clarence through his service in the U.S. Air Force, his work with the City of Tucson, the Tucson Urban League, the Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce, the Tucson Minority and Women-Owned Business Development, the NAACP, the MLK Celebration Committee, Tucson Unified School District, juvenile justice programs, the Tucson Jazz Society, the Elks, the Masons, or even at your neighborhood Home Depot—he always had a remarkable story to share. And somehow, after every encounter, you walked away better than before. Clarence’s journey was one defined by love, compassion, and an unyielding belief in the empowerment of minorities. His legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to justice and community. Clarence is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Deborah Boykins. He leaves behind his cherished children: Darin Boykins, Dionne Rich, Rene Thompson, Rashaun Thompson, and Dayna Guyton. His grandchildren—Christina, Bryan, Taylor, Camille, Malik, Miranda, Mikayla, Te’era, Makayla, Khylei, Kiona, Kali, Jeremiah, Angelina, Chris Jr., Nathaniel, Cameron, and Spencer—along with 13 great-grandchildren, will continue to carry his legacy, ensuring his rightful place as a legend. 

The Celebration of Life service honoring the life of Clarence Boykins will be held on May 17, 2025, at 1:00PM at Mt. Calvery Baptist Church, 226 E Lester St, Tucson, AZ 85705. The service will also broadcast live: https://meet.google.com/ajo-mxjm-xjb. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to: Tucson Jazz Society https://www.tucsonjazzsociety.com/donate-to-us in Clarence Boykins name. Donations Live Stream Though his physical presence is no longer with us, we encourage you to carry Clarence in your daily pursuit of excellence. When adversity knocks at your door, remain steadfast—just as he would—in your determination to dismantle injustice. When doubt clouds your path, look within and uncover the pearls of wisdom he planted for such a moment. Let the memory of Clarence—his life, his love, and the impact he made—remind us all that we now carry the torch he lit, fueled by his unwavering passion for righteousness.