Clifton George Young

On July 26, 1949, Clifton George Young, aka “Clif” was born to George and Ethel Young at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. After a brief marriage, his mother divorced and subsequently married Theodore Holt who, with his mother, is attributed to his upbringing until his passing in 1975.

On December 5, 2025, Clifton quietly passed away at the home he shared with his life partner, Deloris Terrell, in Bethesda, MD.

Clif’s educational journey began with the DC Public School system at Richardson Elementary School. As a student of Evans Jr. HS, Clif became a band member of the Capitol View Civic Association’s Ambassadors Orchestra Inc. At Spingarn HS, he continued with the Ambassadors as they traveled and performed throughout Washington DC and he was also a member of Spingarn’s varsity football team. In 1968 Clif graduated from Spingarn, whereupon he enrolled as a student at Washington Technical Institute (WTI). During his first year at WTI, Clif worked part-time with the firm who was instrumental in designing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building—a remarkable accomplishment for a student and a testament to his skill and ambition. In 1970, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Architecture and was subsequently hired by WTI as a full-time employee. During his employment he studied part-time at The University of the District of Columbia (UDC, formerly WTI), achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocational Education in 1986, thus becoming an instructor—an early indication of his multifaceted talents and drive for excellence.

Clif expressed an interest in photography and was instructed under the tutelage of Mr. Wayne Nobles of UDC. This instruction elevated Clif as a professional photographer for UDC, where his responsibilities included photo shoots of student graduations, yearbook photos and student identification cards. Clif spent many painstaking hours reviewing the collection of photos he’d taken to ensure the perfect depiction of campus life was displayed. Clif remained an employee at UDC until his separation, due to illness, in 2012. His long-standing commitment to the institution reflected both his professional dedication and his passion for education and mentorship.

Clif's life was rich with adventure and artistic expression. Clif achieved a black belt in karate, was a master scuba diver, skydiver, skier and along with Dr. Jose Jones and Charles Butler, they founded the UDC Ski Club. Clearly, he embraced challenges with enthusiasm and courage. As a professional photographer, Clif captured the world through a lens that revealed both technical mastery and artistic soul.

Clif lived a life marked by creativity, adventure, and dedication to his craft and community. He was known for his loving nature, outgoing spirit, high achievements, and gregarious personality. These qualities made him not only a cherished family member but also a mentor and friend to many.

He now joins those who preceded him in death: his mother Ethel Holt; father George Young; stepfather Theodore Holt; brother Michael Young; and maternal grandmother Elsie Young.

Clif is survived by Lisa Holt, sister; her son James Lee, nephew; Renee Kelly (Young), niece; Victor Kelly, nephew-in-law; Reese Kelly, great-nephew, Deloris Terrell, life partner, her daughter Garnett Terrell, granddaughter Keyetta Terrell-Minor and her son Legend, as well as a host of many relatives, friends and associates.

May Clifton George Young’s memory continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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