Cheryl L. Clayton

“And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Sunrise

On September 17, 1955 (a lovely Saturday afternoon) in Americus, Sumter County GA, God gave a beautiful little girl to Frank L. Clayton (deceased) and Mary L. Hunter Clayton. Cheryl was the first of two children born to this union. Bernard preceded Cheryl in death on September 4, 2018.

Day Light

Cheryl graduated from Miami Edison High School in 1972, Miami, Florida. Then, she matriculated to Miami-Dade Community College, where she earned two AA Degrees—Court Reporting and Pre-Business Administration. Cheryl was an excellent student and earned a B.A. Degree in Business/Management from the University of Maryland at College Park. Not withstanding these accomplishments, she received many certificates; but the one that was most treasured to her was the certificate achieved in Ministry. After which time, Cheryl was ordained as a Minister.

As a very young child, Cheryl accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, FL under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C. H. Smith. From childhood, Cheryl served in numerous capacities starting with being a doorkeeper (Junior Usher). Cheryl subsequently joined Greater New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. After leaving Miami, she joined New Wineskin’s Ministries in Indianapolis, IN. Cheryl loved the Lord which fostered a closer relationship and daily walk with God—most importantly, she focused on bringing others to Christ. Cheryl knew the Word of God, shared it and was involved in numerous ministries. Among those ministries she loved and served well were: the Homeless Ministry, Street Ministry, Jail Ministry, Altar Ministry, as well as teaching Sunday School. Cheryl was actively teaching Bible Study in Cocoa FL at Frontenac Baptist Church and Coastal Community Church.

During Cheryl’s employment, she served in the family owned business as Director of Cheryl’s Day Care in Miami, Florida for many years. Her work experience also included that of a Court Reporter. Cheryl was also employed at Therapeutic Solutions, where she worked for her Cousin Alphonso “Jack” Walker as the Director of Administration for two years (2003-2004). She retired as a Call Center Supervisor at Liberty Mutual Insurance (July 2005 – August 2014) as a result of her failing health and returned to Florida. Until her demise, she was serving as Administrator for Clayton Communications & Publishing. Her hobbies included traveling, reading and making jewelry. One of the most memorable trips she took was to the Holy Land. Cheryl’s relationship with God grew even stronger after this trip. She has conducted many workshops—especially mentoring of women who were abused. Cheryl was goal oriented and always exhibited characteristics of an extra-ordinary manager. She exemplified and faithfully practiced those same sweet traits and characteristics taught by her mother—always giving of herself.

Sunset

On Wednesday, September 12, Cheryl was called from mortality to Eternal life. She leaves to cherish her loving memories a dear Mother, Mary L. Clayton; a sister-in-law, Blondie Clayton; two dear aunts, Minnie L. Level and Louise Adams; two god sisters-- “Baby Sis” Kimberly L. Walton & Patricia Gillespie; many who were reared by Mary Clayton as her own children—especially Myrtice Pittman and Minnie Burrows; a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives and sorrowing friends.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

II Timothy 4:6-7