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Clara Clayton Obituary
Memorial service for Clara Brinkley Clayton, 84, of DeLand, who passed away on Friday, October 20 will be on Tuesday, October 24 at 2:30PM at the First United Methodist Church in DeLand with Rev. Owen Stricklin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2PM at the Life Center of the First United Methodist Church prior to the service. Clara was born on December 21, 1921 in Concord, NC. She and her deceased husband, Ralph R. Clayton, moved here from North Carolina in 1947. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. She also was a former member of the DeLand Golf Club and a local garden club. She graduated from Brevard College in Brevard, NC in 1941. She and Ralph lived part of the year in Balsam grove, NC where they both enjoyed gardening and mountain living. She played guitar and piano and often joined with local mountain musicians for country music sessions. She was the daughter of Edgar Maurice Brinkley and Mary Mahalah Calloway Brinkley. Survivors include a son, James R. Clayton of DeLand; daughter, Carol C. Gardner of Spartanburg, SC; two sisters, Pat Crowell of Charlotte, NC and Jeanne McBride of DeLand; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Ralph, two brothers, Jack Brinkley and Bill Brinkley, a son, Wiley Comer Clayton and a sister, Vye Hubbard preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the Brevard College, 400 Broad Street, Brevard, NC 28712. Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand is in charge of arrangements. 386-734-2244
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Memories and Condolences
for Clara Clayton
Jim & Janice Anderson
November 6, 2006
Jim And Carol,
I remember being at your house when we were very young. Your mom always went out of her way to make sure we had a good time. I will always have good memories of her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all your family.
Jan M. Carter
October 30, 2006
Carol & Jim,
I am so sorry about your Mother. I have so many fond memories of both your parents!
Shelley Doyle
October 24, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow over the loss of your loved one. Your mother was a very special lady and will never be forgotten.
Susan Yentz
October 24, 2006
Carol and Jim,
I can't reflect on growing up in DeLand without remembering the Claytons. Wiley and I were always such good friends, and I miss him to this day. Both of your parents, your Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim, and you two also are portraits in my memory bank.
My thoughts are with you as we all remember your gracious mother. You are in my prayers.
Susan (Smith) Yentz
Oviedo, Florida
Penelope Hickey
October 24, 2006
I knew Clara when I lived in DeLand. She was a lovely lady.
Gene & Mona Godwin
October 23, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ted and Jennie Davenport
October 23, 2006
Our lives have been enriched by knowing Ralph and Clara. Our hearts go out to the family,Love Ted and Jennie
Nancy Lee
October 23, 2006
Jim and Carol, I know how hard this must be for you having just lost my mother. Just know you are in my prayers and thoughts and the memories you hold will sustain you.
Aunt Clara was a wonderful person and I will miss her. Please lets keep in touch. Love always! Nancy
Greg Reynolds
October 23, 2006
Jim and Carol,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mother. She was a great lady, as Uncle Ralph, a great man. I am sure through their life, you always made them proud. It just seems like yesterday that we were up at Balsom Grove and watching the river flow by and everyone was there including Aunt Clara, Uncle Ralph, Ricky, Mom and Al. It has been a very hard year.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to your families and lets not lose touch and figure someway to get together.
Take time out of each day to remember everyone who has preceeded us and relish the thoughts their wonderful memory brings.
Your cousin,
Greg Reynolds and Family
Paul & Shelby Blevins
October 23, 2006
May you find confort in the many happy memories you shared as a family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
October 23, 2006
To the Clayton Family,
It is always difficult to accept a loved one going to Heaven. Your family will be in my prayers.
A friend from the legal field.
Don/Joan Neiss/Almas
October 23, 2006
Don Neiss and Joan Almas wish to express our deep sympathy for our friend Clara. She will be missed by all her friends and neighbors.
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