Kelsey Vinvent Thomas McCloud was called home to be with his Lord and Savior,
Monday, September 23, 2019. He was born January 1, 1937, in Miami, Florida, to the
late Johnny McCloud and Margaret Raymond. Kelsey was raised in Key West, Florida, and
later moved to Tampa, Florida, as a young man. He graduated from Middleton Senior High
School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Central
State University in 1960. He received his Master of Education from Antioch College in
1975.
Kelsey's life was centered around love, the love of his wife, a true love story for 62 years,
the love of his four daughters, as well as the love of being a big brother to his in-laws. His
enjoyment was seeing the joy he brought his family. While he had no sons, his daughters
agreed to honor him by having the grandchildren carry the McCloud name.
Kelsey was a teacher by profession; however, he saw himself as a compassionate
Educator, Mentor, and Father Figure to all. He taught a total of 37 years; 6 years in
Hillsborough School District in Florida; 27 years working in the School District of
Philadelphia - serving as a Science Teacher at John Bartram High School; and 4 years in
the Atlanta Public Schools at Harper Archer and Douglas High Schools. Kelsey enjoyed
enriching the lives of his students through his knowledge and wisdom, which also included
real world experiences. He was passionate about exposing and broadening his students'
world view by organizing yearly school trips to the cultural centers of New York City and
Washington, D.C. It was nothing for his students to come to his home to seek advice, with
some even having a Father's Day party in his honor. His assistance extended to their
parents, oftentimes advising them on completing college applications. Kelsey became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta XI Chapter at Central State University in 1956. He was true to their mission of providing leadership and service to others. Kelsey was active in his community by serving as the neighborhood Committee Man in Philadelphia, commonly known as a Block Captain. He was instrumental in organizing the neighborhood to become involved in the political process by ensuring people engaged in voting to affect change. He, alongside his wife, Barbara, became poll workers.
While Kelsey was an only child, he brought forth many. He lived a full life and is survived
by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara White McCloud; his four daughters, Eustacia V. McCloud-Carter (Jimmy), Deborah Y. McCloud-Holland (Gary), Meshell Y. McCloud,
Margaret L. McCloud-Arthur (Walter); seven grandchildren, Kelsena McCloud, Britney
McCloud-Laux (Shaun), Bjorn A. Thompson, Darnell McCloud (Melody), Courtney
McCloud, Rodney McCloud, Taylor McCloud-Holland; twelve great-grandchildren, Nailah
Woodfolk, Zoe Laux, Taniah Austin, Noah Laux, Zarie Thompson, Kaleah Hancock, Bjorn
A. Thompson Jr, Coolidge Holland, Chloe McCloud, Kyrie Howard, Ava Young, Xamora
Holland; as well as in-laws, Theotis White (Nancy), Terry White (Francine), and Brenda
White-Carter (Leroy).
Although, we will miss him deeply, we know he has always been the master of his fate.
A Funeral Service for Mr. McCloud will be held Friday, September 27, 2019, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Bishop Jim Earl Swilley officiating. Interment will follow in Lawnwood Memorial Park, Covington. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, two hours prior to his service, from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 P.M.
The family of Kelsey McCloud wishes to convey our thanks and appreciation for every expression of love and sympathy you have shown to us. Whether you simply thought of us, visited, telephoned, sent a card or flowers - we thank you and are grateful for the prayers and expressions of concern. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the United Negro College Fund, Attn: Denis Scott, Direct Response Programs, 1805 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.
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