Altavista - Clifford Wendell Yoder, 83, of Altavista, Virginia, formerly of Pelham, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at Autumn Care of Altavista.

Born October 14, 1941, in Princess Anne County, Virginia, he was the eldest son of the late Menno and Anna Yoder. A lifelong servant of God, Clifford was ordained as a minister at Hartville Mennonite Church in July 1964. He dedicated his life to serving others, pastoring at Hillsdale Michigan for four years, Porter Mennonite Church in Estacada, Oregon for four years, and Cumberland Christian Fellowship for seven years. He also served the Meigs, Georgia community for nearly twelve years. In his later years, he was a member of the Faith Mennonite Church of Shelman, Georgia.

Clifford was a skilled building contractor by trade. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Miller, on June 15, 1963, and they shared a loving marriage for nearly four decades. One of the greatest joys of their later years was their dedicated service to the Lighthouse Children's Home in Tallahassee, Florida, where they faithfully volunteered for a decade.

In 2008, he married Miss Mary Jane Boley of Pelham, Georgia, and they shared a loving and fulfilling marriage until her passing on their 10th anniversary in 2018. He is survived by his four children: Darryl and Karen Yoder of Thomasville, Georgia; Marlene and Mark Peachy of Doerun, Georgia; Melisa and Vern Hilty of Gladys, Virginia; and Michelle and Tim Weaver of Washington, Indiana. He will be deeply missed by his twelve grandchildren: Sean Yoder, Jason Peachy, Amber Hurst, Kaylee Peachey, Carissa Troyer, Brittany Yoder, Kaitlyn Peachy, Jarvis Weaver, Austin Weaver, Drew Weaver, Josh Peachey, Brianna Weaver, and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Menno and Anna Yoder, two spouses, and a brother, John Yoder.

He is survived by his brothers: Willie (Caroline) Yoder, Leon (Peggy) Yoder, James (Linda) Yoder, and Morris Yoder, and a sister Dorothy (Marvin) Brangan all of Virginia.

A viewing will be held on Saturday January 11, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Meigs Mennonite Church, 1860 Big Creek Rd, Meigs, Georgia.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM. at Meigs Mennonite church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Children's Home, 7771 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32315.

Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service, Altavista, Virginia and Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home, Thomasville, Georgia are assisting the family.