Joanne Bates-Clayton

Joanne Bates-Clayton, 54, of Howell, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Joanne was a supervisor in the Howell Post Office for many years. Joanne was a kind loving spirit who brought smiles and joy to everyone around her. She enjoyed spending her free time fishing on the reservoir with her husband, feeding her pet squirrels, and had a great love for all animals and wild life. Joanne had a jovial sense of humor and the ability to make others laugh; a gift she carried with her throughout her life. Joanne was a loving and compassionate person; who always thought of others before herself. She will be deeply missed by many relatives and friends. She will always be remembered for her unconditional kindness and selflessness.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Raymond C. Clayton Jr. of Howell; step-daughter, Christina Bernstel of Point Pleasant; her parents, Bill and Josie Bates of Berkshire Valley; two sisters, Bonnie Mangan and her husband, Allen of Duncanville, Texas, and Cathy Gibbs and her husband, Gary of Dundee, N.Y.; five nieces, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visiting will be from 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 until the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township. Interment will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on memory Joanne may be made to either the American Cancer Society, c/o Pancreatic Cancer, 801 Broad St., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 or to your local A.S.P.C.A. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkshire Valley,, Jefferson Township at a later date to be announced. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.