Rev. Claybon Lea Sr.

REV. CLAYBON LEA, SR. Was born on March 26, 1932 in Batchelor, LA to the parents of Josiah and the Lillie Mae Lea. He was the third of five children. After relocating to California and furthering his education in Vallejo, Rev. Lea enlisted in the U.S. Army in the late 1940's. He served his country faithfully until an injury prevented him from extending his duty. In the early 1950's he received an honorable discharge and was officially retired. He was successful in secular employment (Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Travis AFB, truck driver, Psychiatric Technician, Imola State Hospital, Napa; restaurant owner). He attended Vallejo Junior College, Contra Costa County College; U.C. Davis; Armstrong Business College Golden Gate Theological Seminary Extension, historical research. In 1963, Rev. Lea was led to organize the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Suisun City. He led the church from an apartment to a small building on Boynton Avenue in Suisun City. He led the church to a new location and expanded the sanctuary, erected an office, educational building and built a biblically literate congregation whose impact could be seen and felt in the local and world community. In 1966, Rev. Lea married the former Carol Vinson. They were blessed with two sons. Rev. Lea retired from the pastorate in 1998. For almost four years he struggled with his health. Always a fighter, a tough yet compassionate, Bible preaching, people loving, activist , pastor, teacher, counselor and missionary, Rev. Lea slipped out of time and into eternity on Sunday, October 27, 2002 at his home. he will be sorely missed. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on the work of the Kingdom, his faithful and loving wife of 35+years, Carol V. Lea; two sons, Claybon Lea, Jr. of Fairfield, CA, and Francois D. Lea of Hollywood, CA; one Goddaughter, Tasha L. Murdock, one daughter-in-law, Janet W. Lea; five grandchildren, Clayborn III, Jillian, Christopher and Jessica Lea, and Avion D. Johnson; three sisters, Albertha Davis, Rose Ann Lea and Geraldine Wilkins; one brother, Lionel Lea; a number of nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; a number of affectionately adopted children and Godchildren, along with innumerable friends and loved ones. Services for Rev. Lea, Sr.: Sunday, November 3, 2002. Public viewing - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Solano Valley Mortuary, 2590 North Texas Street, Fairfield, CA, (707) 399-9100. Wake- 6:00 PM - Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Whispering Bay Lane, Suisun City, CA. Monday, November 4, 2002. Public viewing- 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Only, Fairfield Community Center, 1000 Kentucky Street, Fairfield, CA 94533. Funeral services- 12:00 Noon. Interment - Rockville Cemetery, Suisun City, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Calvary Capital Gifts Campaign. Services entrusted to: SOLANO MORTUARY (707) 399-9100