Doris Clavelle honored with Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Doris Clavelle was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor presented by the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club, during the organization’s 51st annual banquet on Saturday.

The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated distinguished humanitarianism and a longstanding commitment to both the organization and the Vicksburg-Warren County community.

Born in Leland, Mississippi, Clavelle is the daughter of the late Frank and Henrietta Tatum. She attended Henry Weathers High School in Rolling Fork before marrying and raising a family. She is the mother of five children, grandmother of 12, great-grandmother of 19 and great-great-grandmother of one.

After spending time traveling to Chicago, surrounding areas and New Orleans, Clavelle and her family settled in Vicksburg in 1975.

She began working at Westinghouse Electric in 1977 as a forklift driver, a position she often said she loved. Following three decades of dedicated service with what later became Cooper Lighting, she retired in 2007.

Clavelle’s commitment to community service extended beyond her career. After traveling with members of the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club to Chicago for approximately two years, she officially joined the organization in 1990.

She said the club’s commitment to serving the community inspired her to become a member.

Today, Clavelle serves as chairperson of the club’s Sunday morning worship service and the Officer of the Year Awards Banquet. She has often expressed her love for the organization and its mission of giving back to the community.

Her faith has also been a driving force throughout her life. Clavelle is a devoted member of King David No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as choir president. She is also known for supporting churches across the city by attending gospel revivals and church programs. The church is pastored by the Rev. Johnny Williams, whom she frequently praises.

Accepting the award, Clavelle expressed her gratitude to the organization.

“Thank you all for allowing me the pleasure of being your recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” she said. “It is truly a pleasure and an honor. God bless you all.”

Club officials said the Lifetime Achievement Award represents the organization’s highest recognition, honoring individuals whose lifelong service and humanitarian efforts have made a lasting impact on both the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club and the Vicksburg community.

By recognizing Clavelle, the organization celebrated a lifetime marked by faith, hard work, service and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.