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John Claytor Obituary
After the war, he returned to Homer Phillips to complete his residency in General Surgery and Obstetrics/ Gynecology. In 1949, Dr. Claytor joined his father and three brothers to form one of the earliest group practices in the Roanoke Valley: The Claytor Memorial Clinic. The new building was dedicated in the memory of his mother who dreamed that her husband and sons would practice together. Dr. J.B. was passionate about maternal and child health, devoting much of his time to indigent mothers-to-be. He delivered most of the minority babies in the area.
He served at Burrell Memorial Hospital, co-founded by his father, as Chief of Staff, Chief of Obstetrics/ Gynecology, Chair of Tissue Committee and Board of Directors. He served the Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, Va., as a consultant in Obstetrics.
In 1955, he was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Dr. Claytor served on the Board of Planned Parenthood, Citizen Advisory Committee and various Housing Projects/ Gainsboro. During the 1960's, he was a member of the Interracial Relations committee that worked to integrate Roanoke in a peaceful manner.
Following the death of his father and brother, Dr. Claytor left his solo practice and joined the Roanoke City Health Department as Director of Medical Programs.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Ruth Claytor; son, John B. Claytor III; brothers, Frank (Natalie) Claytor and Ralph (Marion) Claytor; and brother-in-law, Lewis Boddie.
Surviving family includes daughter, Sandra Claytor; granddaughter, Monica Cabbler; sisters, Bernice Boddie, Roberta (John) Palmer, Ruth (Henry) Marsh, and Margaret (David) Woodbury; brother, Walter (Kim) Claytor; along with many relatives.
Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2009, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 502 Gilmer Ave., Roanoke. Family visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Harrison Museum of African American Heritage, P.O. Box 12544, Roanoke, Va. 24026 and Reynolds-Claytor Scholarship Fund, 1406 Staples St., Radford, Va. 24141, in honor of Dr. John B. Claytor. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Claytor
Gail Jones
October 9, 2009
My condolences go out to the Claytor Family. Ms. Mary Moore who is my aunt and still resides in the Roanoke area was very well known to the Claytor Families. My prayers goes out to you. I was shocked when I was informed of the passing of Dr. JB as we called him, Dr. Frank Claytor who was his brother was my doctor and I was known as "Baby Gail" or Gail Law. May he rest in peace and GOD continues to bless you all. Sincerely, Ms. Gail Law Jones, Lithonia, GA
Xavier Poindexter
October 3, 2009
As a young boy growing up in Roanoke, I remember being treated and having received physical exams from the Dr Clayton. I am truly sorry for your lost. May he rest in peace and meet me in heaven.
John Penn
October 3, 2009
To the Claytor Family,
We send our condolences and lift you all in our prayers. May the healing and comfortering presence of Christ be with you today, and in the days to come. Shalom!
Clifford L. Stuart
October 3, 2009
Dear Sandra and Family,
May the love of God give you and your family peace during this difficult time. I will always remember your dad and I will always love him. May God continue to bless you.
Marguerite Williams-Rabb
October 2, 2009
Dear Sandra and Monica,
I will always remeber Uncle John as one of the strongest, smartest, and one of the most compassionate men that I have ever known. During one very trying time in my life, his most comforting words were "Baby,it will be alright". So now I pass his words on to you. It will be alright. For in my mind's ear I can hear that famous laugh of his as he greets his beloved Ruth in heaven.
Sheyonn Baker
October 2, 2009
Ms. Claytor and Monica,
May the love, peace, and blessings of Spirit surround you and the family. I send you my love and as always, you are both in my heart and prayers.
Harold (Gladys) Claytor and family
October 2, 2009
To the family,
Dr. J.B. lived such an accomplished life, dedicated to service. May loving memories bring each of you joy, and the support of friends and family, comfort.
Jay Donald Sr
October 2, 2009
To the Claytor Family,
The passing of a loved one may be the hardest situation in life to deal with. Be encourged and know that GOD has all things under control. Your loved one's season has passed only to begin the most precious season with our Heavenly Father. May the love of God keep you during this time of sorrow. God bless you,
Jay Donald Sr.
Yvonne Taylor and The Wade Family
October 1, 2009
To Sandra and Monica,
We were saddended to hear of the lost of your father and grandfather. May the fond memories that you share be a comfort to you now and the days ahead. Please know that others share your pain, but knowing that he is not suffering and at peace help to make it a little easier. He was one of the most inspiring men that I have ever known. He always had the time to listen and talk to all,it didn't matter who you were, where you lived or what walk of life you were from everyone was special to him. The things that he did for the people in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas will be remembered forever. May the peace and love of God be with you all.
Peola & Wayne Thompson
October 1, 2009
Sandra we wish to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. This time in your life will be difficult, but know that our prayers are with you.
Dr. Tish Claytor and Family
October 1, 2009
May God bless you and Keep you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bernice, Pete, and James Peery
October 1, 2009
Sandra, Monica, and Family,
We wish to express our deepest sympathy
on the passing of Dr. Claytor. Four generations of our family sought his medical services. He was a competent, committed, and compassionate specialist
and primary care physician all wrapped in one. May his legacy of being a true asset to the entire Roanoke Valley
live unceasingly. We will miss him.
Evelyn Wheeler & the Wheeler Family
October 1, 2009
To the Claytor Family,
My earliest memories of Dr. Claytor, go back to me and my siblings' visits to the Claytor Memorial Clinic. Since there were seven girls, of which most of us he delivered, we would practically take up all the space in the waiting area. I remember Dr. J.B. Jr. as gentle and kind hearted, even when getting the dreaded vaccinations.
It is our hope that your hearts are soon filled with joyful memories, as you celebrate his life and legacy...... A job well done.
Sparrow Family
October 1, 2009
To the Claytor Family,
May God bless you in this time of sorrow. Remember all the great times you shared with Dr. Claytor in the days to come.My prayers are with your family.
Lee, Marjoretta and Marlee Coles
October 1, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Donna Lee
October 1, 2009
For: The physician who delivered me
at birth
With Deep Sympathy!
May there be comfort in knowing friends are praying for the family
and we share in your sorrow.
May God Bless You!
Donna Welcher Lee,
Knoxville College, 1971 Class
David Claytor
October 1, 2009
Sandra & Monica,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Uncle John will surely be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May your memories bring you comfort.
David, Susan & Mattthew
Clyde Bowden
October 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Darlene Cox
September 30, 2009
Sandra and Monica, our prayers are with you at this time as we honor Dr. Claytor for leaving such a legacy and being a great service to the Roanoke community. May peace be with you always, Cheryl, Bob, Darlene cox
Michael Marsh
September 30, 2009
Sandra and Monica, My prayers are with you. Uncle John has been so blessed with a wonderful life and a wonderful family, and there is so much to celebrate from his life. His presence will be missed by the family, but he will always be with us in our fond memories of our time with him and in our hearts. My deepest sympathies to you. Cousin Mike
Gerard Scroggins
September 30, 2009
Monica, Faith Makes Everything Possible. My prayers are with you, your mother, and your entire family. I am honored to have met him!!!
Len Page
September 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Clifton Whitworth
September 30, 2009
My condolencies to the Claytor family. Being a native Roanoker, I know the influence Dr. Claytor had on the community.
Prayers be with you as his life is celebrated.
Janie Ollie
September 30, 2009
My prayers are with you.
Gerry Shoffner
September 30, 2009
Sandra and family, you are in our prayers as you celebrate the life of Dr. Claytor. May God comfort you.
Charlotte Sweeney DeGraphenreid
Gerry Sweeney Shoffner
Rita Hopson
September 30, 2009
Sandra and Monica, my sincere condolence in the loss of your father/grandfather. He was a man of honor, a strong family man, and a pillow in our community whose legacy will live on forever.
john reynolds
September 30, 2009
To The John B. Claytor, Jr. Family
Our prayers go out to you family . God gave Dr. Claytor 94 years on this earth and that indeed is a real blessing . May God comfort all of you.
John&Shirley Reynolds
September 30, 2009
To the Family of Dr. John B. Claytor, Jr.
Your church family,Saint Paul United Methodist Church celebrate with you the life and legacy of your father, grandfather. Please know that love is everlasting and the fond memories of his life will always be with you.
Rev. Gina D. Rochelle, Pastor
Scott Terry-Cabbler
September 30, 2009
Sandra and Monica,
He will be missed, but
he lives forever in your hearts.
Much Love
James & Janet E Stokes III
September 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss Sandra. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dr.Tish Claytor & Family
September 29, 2009
May God Bless you and keep you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Adrian Lewis
September 29, 2009
To the Family of Dr. J.B. Claytor, Jr.
My prayers are with you as you celebrate the Homegoing of your loved one. I have fond memories as I worked with Dr. Claytor at Burrell Memorial Hospital. Dr. J.B., his Father Dr. J. B.,Sr, and his brother Dr. F.W. will always be a part of not only African-American History in Roanoke, but this City is a better place because of their dedicated service.
Bill & Daryl Watkins
September 29, 2009
God looked down and saw that you had done your job well. It was time to come home so you have gone. Rest my friend. You have done well.
Nancy Stuart Marshall
September 29, 2009
Sandra and family,
Caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. May God provide comfort and love.
Philippe Claytor
September 29, 2009
Dear Sandra & Monica,
Very sorrow to hear of Uncle John's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Love,
Philippe
Fredda Boddie
September 29, 2009
Sandra and Monica,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Your loss is shared by many, myself included.
May God bless you.
Noma Jackson Knopp
September 29, 2009
To the Claytor Family;
He will be sadly miss, you are in my prayers,My sincere condolences to you.
Maxine Wiley
September 29, 2009
Dear Family,
The city of Roanoke has lost a legend and a professional who lived some of the most significant events in the medical history of our city. Who can forget the vital part that the Claytor Memorial Clinic paid in the lives of citizens of Roanoke and surrounding areas? Who can ever forget the vital role he and his family played in the history of Burrell Memorial Hospital.
I pray that the family will treasure the legacy this great man left them and this city. My sincere condolences to you.
Rod(ney) Claytor
September 28, 2009
Sandra and Monica,
May our love and prayers comfort you at this difficult time. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Elaine Taylor-Neal
September 28, 2009
I am saddened by the passing of Dr. Claytor. May all the memories left behind confort you.In your time of sadness, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.May it comfort you to know that he is at peace. May his memory help to soothe your spirit at this difficult time.
Dr. Conrad Claytor
September 28, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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