Clifford Marston Pierre

Clifford Pierre, 77, passed away on February 23, 2026, in Winston-Salem, NC.

Clifford Pierre was born in San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago, in 1948 to Annie Pierre and Sylvan Patterson. He was educated at Tagore Secondary School in Princess Town, where he was an active member of the school brigade. He was christened and confirmed in the Anglican Church in Rio Claro, laying an early foundation of faith and discipline that would remain with him throughout his life.

In 1971, Clifford emigrated to the United States, beginning a new chapter filled with opportunity and adventure. That same year, he met his first wife, Daphne Smart. Together they welcomed their only child, Melissa, in 1978.

Clifford’s lifelong passion for aviation led him to the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, where he earned his Airframe and Powerplant license. Over the course of several decades, he built a distinguished career with Midway Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, USAir, and American Airlines, from which he retired in 2020. He was a licensed pilot and the proud owner of a Cessna 172.

In 1986, Clifford relocated to the Triad area of North Carolina, where he would reside for 40 years. There, he met his second wife, Jennifer Casey. They welcomed two daughters: Marianne in 1987 and Marissa in 1993.

Clifford was an avid traveler who explored the world extensively, visiting over 60 countries and setting foot on every continent except Antarctica. This led him to pursue a sailing license later in his life. His curiosity and love for new experiences were evident in every journey he took.

Beyond travel, Clifford had many passions. He was an auto enthusiast who loved attending and entering car shows along the East Coast, particularly showcasing his cherished Mustang GT California Special. He was also a dedicated gardener, cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables year-round, which he generously shared with family and friends.

In his 60s, Clifford attended bartending school simply for the joy of learning something new. Though he never pursued it professionally, he became well known among loved ones for his signature piña coladas during family vacations.

Clifford also enjoyed watching and playing cricket, and was deeply respected for his strong values and commitment to family. He maintained many close friendships and professional relationships throughout his life.

He was a faithful member of HeavenView United Pentecostal Church in Winston-Salem, NC, under the leadership of Pastor Harold Linder. On his 65th birthday, October 6, 2013, Clifford repented of his sins and accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized.

Clifford was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Pierre; his beloved aunt, Eileen Pierre; his great aunt and uncle, Juanita and Edward Benn; and his favorite uncle, Sonny Pierre.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Annie Pierre; his daughters, Melissa Brown, Marianne Pierre, and Marissa Pierre; his son-in-law, Sean Brown; his grandchildren, Shane Brown and Sydney Brown; his sisters, Cheryl Patterson and Carol Wilson; his former wife, Jennifer Casey; many beloved “Mozart” cousins; his dear friend, Beverly Middlebrooks; and a wide circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Clifford’s life was marked by passion, curiosity, faith, and generosity. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love for family, and the joy he brought to those around him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CAF Rise Above Squadron (https://cafriseabove.org/), Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum (https://tuskegeemuseum.org/), and the United Negro College Fund (https://uncf.org/).