Commissioner Helen Clifton

Commissioner Helen Clifton, former World President of Women's Ministries, was promoted to Glory at 9.20pm London time on Tuesday 14 June 2011. The commissioner, who had been ill for some time, was promoted to Glory from St Christopher's Hospice in south London. Her husband, General Shaw Clifton (Retired), was at her bedside.

Announcing the news, the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Barry C. Swanson) wrote: 'I ask for your prayers for General Shaw Clifton (Retired) and his loved ones as they live through these sad days of great loss. We thank God for the life and faithful ministry of Commissioner Helen Clifton and commit her loved ones to the Lord's care.'

Commissioner Clifton was The Salvation Army's World President of Women's Ministries from 2006 until her retirement in April this year. She was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1973 and served in the UK, Zimbabwe, the USA, Pakistan and New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

Funeral and Thanksgiving Services for Commissioner Helen Clifton

The Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry C. Swanson has issued the following funeral and thanksgiving service information pertaining to Commissioner Helen Clifton.

The funeral of Commissioner Helen Clifton will take place at Beckenham Crematorium on Tuesday, 5 July at 3.45pm and a Service of Thanksgiving will be held at the William Booth College on the same day at 7.30pm. All are welcome at both meetings.

The family requests no flowers, but instead ask that donations be made to St Christopher's Hospice, Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, London SE26 6DZ. There will also be a retiring collection at the Service of Thanksgiving.

We continue to pray for General Shaw Clifton (Rtd) and the family in these days of loss, believing that the God of all comfort will enfold them in his love and grace.