Clarence P. Noble, the first black elected to the Crenshaw County Board of Education passed on Good Friday, April 15, 2022. He was a native of Troy, Alabama and born to the late Reverend Clarence R. Noble and Mrs. Ollie Henderson Noble.

His devotion to Life-ling learning began with early education in the Pike County School System. He went on to Selma University in Selma, Alabama, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies. He then furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music and Secondary Education from Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama. While growing and flourishing in the ministry, the zeal to study and show himself approved led him to earn a Master of Divinity Degree from The Interdenominational Theological Center (Morehouse School of Religion), Atlanta, Georgia, then on to complete a Doctor of Ministry Degree from The United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Noble’s passion and quest for education, building community, family connections, and serving, were evident in his teachings for seventeen years in the public schools in Georgia, Alabama (Pike and Crenshaw counties) and Selma University. Until his passing he continued to touch and enhance the lives of numerous student through his love, stern encouragement, dedication and concern for their well-being.

His life experiences included becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, membership in numerous professional and religious organizations, leadership in the local, regional, and state Baptist Associations, elected official, board appointments, and serving in the United States Army.

Acknowledging the call to the Gospel Ministry span for over six decades; he was called to the ministry at age 16. Beginning the pastoral journey from 1965 to 1976, he served as pastor of Sweetwater Missionary Baptist Church, Luverne, Alabama; Star Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Luverne, Alabama; and Canaan Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. For the last 45 years of dedicated service, he has faithfully labored as the pastor of the Greater Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Tuskegee, Alabama. Dr. Noble’s legacy will live on as an admired, highly regarded and sought out “teacher of the gospel,” a preacher of the gospel, a mentor, and a committed servant. His travels took him throughout the local community, Auburn District, Southeast District, State of Alabama, the United States, and beyond. There was NEVER a church too big or too small for him to preach the gospel.

The Celebration of Life service was held Monday, April 25, at Greater Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee, Alabama with Rev. Darryl Caldwell officiating. Interment: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.