Service Details
His Homegoing Service will be held in the funeral home on July 26th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be that same day from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service. The burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
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Clifton T. Bester (Ricky), 46, of Madison, passed away at Meriter Hospital in Madison, WI on July 8, 2024. He was born in Racine, WI on August 26, 1977, the tenth of twelve children of Henry James and Kizzie (nee: Washington) Bester.
Clifton graduated from Madison East High School, Class of ’95 and attended college in Gilroy California. Clifton had been employed in various places throughout his working career, last being the Assistant Manager of Hat World inside of East Towne Mall. Clifton was known as a Big Man with a Huge Personality and a Giving Heart. Rick loved to laugh and tell jokes. He always had a story to tell. Rick thought the world of his family and he was always willing to do anything for anyone around him. Although there were physical challenges that Rick encountered, he never allowed them to stop his momentum. Rick kept a grin on his face as he navigated his life journey. He never gave up on himself. Despite all of his hardships, he persevered. He was relentless in his efforts to heal which required enormous strength and a commitment to leading a beautiful and full life, the life that he was always meant to have.
He leaves to preserve his memory his daughter, Jada Bester and her mother, Nikki Bester of Madison, WI; mother, Kizzie Bester, of Racine, WI; siblings, Janet Bester, Johnnie May Bester and Cedric (Coretta) Bester, all of Racine, WI. James (Sherri) Bester, Yvonne Williams, Kenneth (Holly) Bester and Lakaeshia Bester of Madison, WI. Virgie Bester of Atlanta, GA and Henry Bester of Winona, MN. Brother-in-law, Apostle Joseph Buckley of Racine, WI and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive him.
Clifton was preceded in death by his Paternal grandparents James and Virgie Bester and Maternal grandparents Elmer and Roberta Washington, Father Henry “Big John” Bester, brother, Harvey Bester, and sister Cynthia Buckley and a host of additional family and friends. The Bester family would like to thank the many friends and family for attending the celebration of Ricky’s life and participating in his homegoing services. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at the many hospitals and facilities who provided treatment and care to our beloved Ricky over the past 20 years.
We are forever grateful for the opportunity which allowed us to have Ricky in our lives. The impact of his fight to live, his strength and his will to survive, will forever remain impressed upon our hearts.
Mrs Ann Kirkwood says
Prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Clifton🙏🏾So sorry for your loss🙏🏾May the gentle giant rest in peace 🙏🏾
Stacey Moore says
Sending condolences to the Bester damily
Dr. Charles C Jones says
Praying for the Family
Alice M. Johnson says
Clifton was my neighbor and friend for the years he lived in his last apartment. The residents, especially the children, loved chatting with him. He often gave birthday or Christmas gifts to 3 of my grandsons who occasionally lived with me. We all will miss him here but knowing he is with God and reunited with his loved ones who past before him is comforting.
Barbara Litz says
Janet and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, hugs and prayers.
Barb Litz