Byron P. Clemons

Byron Peter Clemons was born to Doris Atlee Smith Clemons and Percy Eldridge Clemons Jr. on April 6, 1964 in Poughkeepsie, NY.  He was the second of three children with an older sister, Kimberly, and a younger sister, Stephanie.  He transitioned to eternal life on April 11, 2022 at his home in Washington, DC.

The Clemons family moved several times during his childhood.  As such, Byron was educated in the public school systems of Lagrangeville, NY, Westford, MA, East Lyme, CT and Broomall, PA.  He made friends easily and enjoyed each town in which he lived.  Byron was an ideal son who was loving, respectful, devoted, supportive, and a joy to be around.

Byron’s strong work ethic was evident at an early age.  He was industrious and by the age of fourteen, had a lawn mowing service and went on to work several jobs as a teenager.  Byron was academically focused and was always an outstanding student.  In high school, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and was the recipient of several college acceptances and scholarships.  Ultimately, he chose to attend the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville.

At UVA, he excelled academically and socially.  In his second year, Byron was admitted to the McIntire School of Commerce, UVA’s prestigious undergraduate business school.  During the spring semester, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. where he was a popular and active member of the Eta Sigma Chapter.  In his fourth year, Byron was Co-Chair of the Black Greek Affairs and received the Outstanding Contribution to the Greek System award from the Inter-Fraternity Council.  He also served as a Resident Advisor guiding first year students through the transition to college life.  In the summers, Byron interned at Arthur Anderson accounting firm.  He graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and a concentration in Finance.  Upon graduation, Byron was recognized by UVA’s Seven Society for his tireless work and outstanding leadership during his time at the University.

Byron was hard working and skillful at finding professional opportunities.  His first job after college was with Chubb Insurance Group in Richmond, Virginia.  A few years later, he moved to Washington, DC and was employed at Inroads, Inc. where he enjoyed working with the youth and sponsoring companies.  After several years, Byron went to work for US Airways as an Account Manager.  In the years following, he focused his career in Human Resources as an IT Recruiter.  His employers included Hewlett Packard Company, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Noblis, and General Dynamics Information Technology.  His last job was Senior Recruiter at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) where he recruited for NASA.  Byron was the recipient of numerous awards during his professional career including the President’s Award at Noblis and the National Public Sector Golden Penguin Award at CSC.  He loved meeting new people and matching them with the right position.  Byron was often consulted for his expertise in resume writing and career counseling.

Byron took great pride in his community.  He was a founding member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC, Inc. and contributed his time and resources to their goal of educating and empowering African American children and teens.   He was a Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. continuing his commitment to the ideals of the organization.  Byron was also the long term President of his Condominium Homeowner Association, making significant improvements to the community property. 

Byron accumulated many friends from various areas of his life and had a gift for maintaining long-lasting connections.  His friendly and engaging personality was magnetic.  All will remember Byron’s big smile and incredible wit.  He was notorious for his one-liners and jokes.  Byron loved spending time with his friends and fraternity brothers.  He was humble, caring and generous, and had a way of making everyone, across generations, feel special.  Byron had a deep passion for the children in his life, showering them with gifts, love, and support.

Above all, Byron was devoted to his family.  He took an active role in researching the ancestral history, planning family reunions, and enjoyed gatherings with his cousins.  Byron took great care of his mother, checking in on her frequently and helping her with various projects.  He would drive to Richmond regularly for the day to run errands, take her to lunch, or simply just visit.  Byron loved his sisters and was happy when Stephanie moved to the DC area from Arizona.  He enjoyed helping her decorate her new homes and they would often entertain their family and friends together.  Byron was also very close to his uncle and aunts, always willing to lend a helping hand, and he loved visiting the family farm in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  Byron had an extra special relationship with his Godson, Wade, devoting much time to support his development.  He took great pride in Wade and his accomplishments.

Byron is predeceased by his grandparents Mary and Alexander Smith, and Esther and Percy Clemons, Sr.; his father Percy Clemons Jr. and his aunt Helen Clemons Mitchell.  He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving mother Doris Smith Clemons; two sisters, Kimberly Dale Clemons and Stephanie Lynn Clemons; two aunts, Barbara Smith Harris and Mae Smith Wilson; one uncle, Alexander Smith (Jacqueline); an esteemed cousin, Evelyn Boatright Seraile; a best friend, Jeffrey Weddington, MD and his son Wade; and many cousins, godchildren, friends, and fraternity brothers.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the University of Virginia Ridley Scholarship Program or 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC

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