Dr. Clifford Mosley of Carbondale
Dr. Clifford Mosley, a lifelong educator, mentor, coach and proud son of Carbondale, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Though his accomplishments throughout life were many, he will be remembered most for the way he connected with people — through conversation, laughter, storytelling and a genuine love for teaching others.
Dr. Mosley was deeply rooted in the Carbondale community and remained proud of the place and people who shaped him. Education was not simply his profession. It was part of who he was. Over the course of his career as a high school and college educator and basketball coach, he impacted countless students and athletes.
In 1985, he married his soulmate, Carol, whom he loved “completely.” Together they built a life centered on partnership, adventure, laughter and unwavering devotion. They truly shared every experience life had to offer.
Dr. Mosley was a passionate sports enthusiast. A talented athlete himself, he played college basketball and ran track during his younger years. That love of sports remained with him throughout his life. He and Carol traveled to basketball tournaments around the U.S. enjoying the game together in places like California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. He was a passionate fan of both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers and rarely missed an opportunity to talk basketball.
Outside the classroom and arena, Dr. Mosley was known for his love of Corvettes and fast cars and took enormous pride in caring for them. He and Carol drove them cross-country on many of their adventures and enjoyed the pursuit of new models.
Dr. Mosley’s commitment to education extended far beyond his own classroom. After graduating from Wilberforce University in Ohio, he continued giving back to the institution for many years as an educational consultant, traveling there for weeks at a time to research and prepare extensive reports that helped the college secure funding for important programs and initiatives. His work helped support long-term improvements and opportunities for future generations of students.
He earned his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and later completed his doctorate at Saint Louis University — achievements that reflected both his discipline and lifelong belief in the power of education.
Dr. Mosley was preceded in death by his son, Keith Mosley. He is survived by Carol; his son, Cliff Mosley Jr.; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.
Funeral services will be held at Bethel AME Church, 316 E. Jackson St., Carbondale at noon on Saturday, June 6, 2026, where family and friends will gather to celebrate a life marked by wisdom, humor, generosity and love. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m. to noon at the church. He will be laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery in the community that remained forever close to his heart.
Jackson Funeral Home of Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Bethel AME Church.