Clerow Wilson, Sr.: The Unsung Patriarch Behind A Comedy Icon's Journey
In the annals of entertainment history, the name Flip Wilson shines brightly, synonymous with groundbreaking comedy and a charismatic presence that captivated millions. Yet, behind every remarkable individual often lies a foundation built by the generations before them—a story of resilience, struggle, and the quiet strength of family. This is particularly true for Clerow Wilson, Sr., the father of the legendary comedian Clerow Wilson, Jr., better known as Flip Wilson. While his son commanded the spotlight, Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s life was a testament to enduring hardship and unwavering dedication, a narrative that deserves to be explored and understood.
Clerow Wilson, Sr. was not a public figure in the traditional sense, but his life profoundly shaped one of America's most beloved entertainers. Born into a different era, his journey was marked by the immense challenges of the early 20th century, particularly the economic devastation of the Great Depression. Understanding his story provides crucial context to the humble beginnings and tenacious spirit that defined Flip Wilson's path to stardom.
Early Life and Southern Roots
Birth and Origins in North Carolina
Clerow Wilson, Sr. began his life in the Southern United States. He was born in 1894 in Greensboro, Guilford, North Carolina. Details of his early childhood are not widely documented, but it's safe to assume he grew up in a world vastly different from the bustling urban landscapes where his son would later find fame. His birth in the late 19th century meant he would have witnessed significant societal changes, from the aftermath of the Civil War to the burgeoning industrial age, all before facing the global turmoil of two World Wars and the economic collapse of the 1930s.
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His roots in North Carolina suggest a connection to a more rural or agrarian way of life, perhaps setting the stage for the strong work ethic he would later exhibit as a handyman trying to support his exceptionally large family. This foundational period in the South would eventually lead him northward, in search of better opportunities and a place to establish his own family.
Building a Family in New Jersey
Marriage to Cornelia Bullock
Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s life took a significant turn when he met and married Cornelia Carter Bullock. Cornelia was born on January 6, 1902, in Richmond, Virginia, to William Bullock and Mary J. The couple tied the knot around 1917 in New Jersey, marking the beginning of their shared life and the establishment of their family in the North. Their marriage in New Jersey, a state that would become central to their family's narrative, signified a new chapter away from their Southern origins.
A Large and Growing Household
Together, Clerow and Cornelia embarked on the monumental task of raising a large family. They were the parents of at least four sons and three daughters, eventually welcoming a total of ten children into their home. Among them was Clerow Wilson, Jr., who would later be known to the world as Flip Wilson, born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The sheer size of their family meant that daily life was a constant challenge, even under the best of circumstances. This was a household brimming with life, energy, and the constant demands of feeding, clothing, and raising ten young individuals.
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The decision to have such a large family, while common in that era, would soon be tested by external forces beyond their control, pushing the family to its absolute limits and forcing Clerow Wilson, Sr. to make unimaginable choices.
The Great Depression and Unforeseen Hardships
The Handyman's Struggle
Clerow Wilson, Sr. worked as a handyman, a profession that required skill, versatility, and a strong back. However, his chosen trade became incredibly precarious with the onset of the Great Depression, which gripped the United States throughout the 1930s. This period of severe economic downturn meant that jobs were scarce, and even those who had work often struggled to earn enough to survive, let alone provide for a large family. Clerow, Sr. was frequently out of work, making it exceedingly difficult to put food on the table and keep a roof over the heads of his ten children.
The financial hardships faced by the Wilson family during this era were profound. They were among countless American families who experienced firsthand the devastating effects of widespread unemployment and poverty. Clerow, Sr.'s tireless efforts as a handyman, though commendable, were often not enough to overcome the systemic economic challenges of the time, leading to immense stress and strain within the household.
A Mother's Departure and Its Aftermath
Tragically, the family's struggles were compounded by a personal crisis that would leave an indelible mark on all of them, particularly the young Clerow Wilson, Jr. When Flip Wilson was just seven years old, around 1940, his biological mother, Cornelia Bullock, abandoned the family. This devastating event left Clerow Wilson, Sr. as the sole parent responsible for ten children during one of the most challenging economic periods in American history.
The burden was immense and ultimately insurmountable for a single father, no matter how dedicated. With the inability to adequately care for all ten children alone, Clerow Wilson, Sr. was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to place some of his children, including Flip, into foster care homes. This was a common, albeit painful, reality for many families overwhelmed by poverty and single parenthood during the Depression era. For young Flip, this meant a childhood spent moving between various foster homes, a formative experience that undoubtedly shaped his perspective and resilience, even as it caused profound emotional distress.
This period highlights Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s desperate situation—a man doing his best under impossible circumstances, making the agonizing choice he believed was necessary for his children's survival, even if it meant their separation.
The Legacy Through His Son, Flip Wilson
From Clerow Jr. to Flip Wilson
The challenging upbringing experienced by Clerow Wilson, Jr., born in Jersey City, New Jersey, was a direct consequence of the hardships faced by his father. Moving through foster homes from a young age, Flip learned early lessons in survival and adaptation. At just 16, he lied about his age to join the U.S. Air Force, seeking stability and a path forward. It was during his time in the military that his comedic talents began to emerge, as he entertained his fellow servicemen.
Flip Wilson's Rise to Stardom
Flip Wilson's journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a national sensation is a testament to his innate talent and perseverance. He rose to prominence as an American comedian, actor, and writer. His most notable achievement was hosting his own weekly variety series, "The Flip Wilson Show," which aired on NBC from September 1970 until June 1974. The show was a massive success, introducing viewers to iconic recurring characters like 'Geraldine Jones,' and earning Wilson a Grammy Award in 1970 for his comedy album, "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress." He also appeared in films like "Uptown Saturday Night" (1974) and "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" (1979).
While Flip Wilson's success was his own, it's impossible to separate it from the challenging foundation laid by his father, Clerow Wilson, Sr. The resilience, wit, and unique perspective that defined Flip's comedy were undoubtedly forged in the crucible of his early life—a life shaped by his father's struggles, the family's financial hardships, and the profound experience of being sent to foster care. Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s silent battle to provide for his family, even when it meant making the hardest choices, ultimately contributed to the strength and character that propelled his son to greatness.
The Final Years and Lasting Memory
Death and Burial
Clerow Wilson, Sr. lived a long life, enduring many trials and tribulations. He passed away in May 1973, at the age of 79, in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, the same city where his famous son was born and where much of his family's story unfolded. He was laid to rest in Jersey City, a quiet end to a life that had been anything but quiet in its challenges and responsibilities.
A Quiet Legacy
Though not celebrated with the same fanfare as his son, Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s legacy is profound. He was the patriarch of a large family, a man who worked tirelessly as a handyman, and who faced the unimaginable burden of raising ten children during the harshest economic period in modern American history. His life was one of quiet resilience and immense responsibility. He laid the foundational stones for a family that, despite immense hardship and separation, produced one of the most beloved comedic talents of the 20th century. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the enduring impact of a parent's struggle on the generations that follow.
In summary, Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s life was a poignant narrative of a man who navigated the immense challenges of the early 20th century with quiet determination. Born in North Carolina in 1894, he built a large family of ten children with Cornelia Bullock in New Jersey. As a handyman, he battled the severe economic hardships of the Great Depression, often struggling to provide. His life took a tragic turn when his wife abandoned the family, forcing him to make the heartbreaking decision to place some of his children, including his son, the future comedy legend Flip Wilson, into foster care. Despite the immense personal sacrifices and hardships, Clerow Wilson, Sr.'s resilience and unwavering efforts to support his family ultimately contributed to the character and drive that propelled his son to international fame. His story is a powerful testament to the unsung heroes who quietly shaped the lives of those who would later stand in the spotlight.
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