Clifford Kimbrough

Reverend Clifford Kimbrough, D.D.
March 21, 1931 – July 18, 2025

Reverend Clifford Kimbrough, D.D., transitioned to his heavenly mansion on July 18, 2025. Exemplifying the true meaning of being a “soldier serving on the battlefield for the Lord,” Reverend Kimbrough continually spread the message of God’s love, grace, and mercy to all he encountered. His passing leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who loved him, those he supported through life’s trials, and the many souls he was blessed to lead to Christ. His legacy of faith, service, and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born on March 21, 1931, in Scooba, Mississippi, to the late Frank and Irene Kimbrough, Reverend Kimbrough’s journey took him from the rural South to a lifetime of service and ministry. He later moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and eventually settled in Youngstown, Ohio, where he fulfilled his divine calling to serve God’s people.

“Rev.” leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 29 years, Judith (Allie) Kimbrough. His legacy of love and faith also lives on through his beloved daughter, Dina Kimbrough, and his twin sister, Clara Collins.

He is also remembered by his stepsons, Terence Dials (Joy Adkins) and Michael Dials Sr. (Bri Baker); and his seven cherished grandchildren: Julian Davis, Minister Jillian (Paris) Rouse, Alivia, Gabrielle, Miera, Myla, and Michael Jr. Dials. Affectionately known as “Uncle Son” to many nieces and nephews—several of whom resided with him—he shared a special bond with his nephew William “Joe” (Edith) Moore.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kandi Smith; brothers-in-law, John (Sandra), Andre, and Franklin Allie; god-granddaughters, Melissa (Michael) Barker and Angelique Amill; and his “church baby,” Tara Collins.

Reverend Kimbrough attended Sunday School for many years at Friendship Baptist Church in Youngstown under the leadership of Reverend Benjamin Myers. He later became a faithful member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church in Campbell, Ohio, where he served on the Building Fund Committee and Usher Board under the leadership of Reverend L. Childress.

In 1970, he was ordained and received his ministerial license. That same year, he was called to pastor Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. He graduated from Malachi Burns Bible College and served as pastor of Mt. Gilead for 55 years. Reverend Kimbrough was actively involved in the Southern Baptist Convention, the local Ministerial Alliance, the National Baptist Convention, and the Ohio Baptist Convention. In 1989, he was honored by the City of Youngstown for his outstanding contributions to the church and the community.

As a spiritual pillar of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Reverend Kimbrough ministered with unwavering dedication. His sermons, filled with truth, compassion, and conviction, reflected his deep love for Christ and for God’s people. He was not only a pastor but also a mentor, father figure, and friend to many. His legacy of faith, humility, and perseverance will continue to inspire the Mt. Gilead family and the Youngstown community for generations.

Often taking his family out for food or shopping, Reverend Kimbrough was known throughout the areas many restaurants, shops and fitness facilities. The staff at these various business knew they could always count on seeing his warm, genuine smile and polite demeanor.

He was joyfully reunited in Heaven with parents; his son, Dwight Kimbrough; and his siblings, Jessie Pearl Kimbrough, Berda Campbell Watson, Ora D. Kimbrough-Nave, John Campbell, Floyd Campbell, Chris Kimbrough, Flossie Kimbrough-Carroll, Johnnie Elizabeth Kimbrough-Watson, Cora Lee Kimbrough-Mitchell, Ruth Kimbrough-Moore, Ruby Kimbrough-Adams, and Mary Ellen Kimbrough.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 2821 Hillman Street, Youngstown, OH; and on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street, Youngstown, OH.  A celebration of his life will follow at 12:00 p.m.

Ministry of comfort entrusted to L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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