Rev. Horace Lee Crayton

Reverend Horace L. Crayton, son of Ernest and Alice Crayton, was born in Hallsville, Texas, on November 9, 1927. His parents; two sisters, Ruth Crayton-Nealey and Doris Crayton-Washington; his first wife, Etta Mae Carter-Crayton, of 41 years; a son, Horace L. Crayton, Jr.; and daughter, Gloria Jean Crayton,preceded him in death. Horace accepted Christ as his personal savior and united with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and acknowledged his calling to preach in 1961. The Greater Mt. Hebron Baptist Church was organized in May of 1963. The first meeting to discuss forming and organizing of this church was held in April of 1963 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lelton Brown, 2880 - 56th St. There were 9 persons present. Rev. Crayton spoke of seeing a house on Givendale Street and he felt sure that it could be purchase for a small down payment. The house was purchased. Everyone worked as a team, tore out walls and put in seats, a pulpit and soon it was a comfortable place of worship. In May, the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church was officially organized with the organization services held at the Community Baptist Church, Rev. C.R. Jackson, Pastor. Rev. Ernest Crayton was also present. At the time of organization, 11 members united with the church. Rev. H.L. Crayton was also installed on that day as pastor. He retired in 2001 after 38 years of faithful service. He was inducted into the Elite News “Religious Hall of Fame� in 2002. He also received recognitions from other religious affiliations. He was a charter member of the Oak Cliff Baptist Minister Union and the True Fellowship District. Rev. Crayton was an active member of the Oak Cliff Ministers Union until his retirement from the ministry. He served on the Ministerial Ethics Committee under four Presidents. Horace attended school in the Athens community of Hallsville, Texas. He also attended Southern Bible Institute completing his studies in Christian education. Horace loved his family and enjoyed attending family gatherings. He enjoyed “coon hunting� with his hounds. He was a great fan of baseball and loved to play but could never hit the ball very well. He relaxed by working in his garden. He was a man who liked to build things. He was a good steel man who built bridges that we continue to travel across even today. He was a food conossiour and enjoyed cooking and baking. Two of dad’s favorite sayings “You need to get in church� and “Let Go and Let God�. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his wife, Marsha Crayton, of 21 years; three children, Robert Thomas of Waxahachie, Texas, Vergia Goosby of Dallas, Texas, and Jacquelyn (Gilbert) Gerst of Dallas Texas; nine grandchildren, John Gary, Larry Crayton (Tracy), Vivian Crayton, Anthony Crayton (Laronda), Kinja Crayton (Clea), Jason and Justin Goosby, William and Crayton Gerst; sisters, Lucille Dillard of Dallas,Texas, Velma Brown of Dallas, Texas, Earnest Donalson of DeSoto, Texas; brothers, Carl Crayton (Betty) of Marshall, Texas, Robert Crayton (Gloria) of Dallas, Texas; brother-in-law, Charlie Nealey; ten greatgrandchildren; one great-great-child; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, The Greater Mt. Hebron Baptist Church family and many friends.