Reflections of a Beautiful Life

Barbara Ruth Clayton was born on November 24,1942, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and was the firstborn child of William Grayson, Sr., and Velma Grayson. She was blessed to be among three brothers and two sisters. Raised in the church, Barbara confessed her belief in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was baptized. She attended school in Muskogee, and graduated from Manual Training High School.

As a young adult, she married her lifelong love, John Clayton, Sr., and through their union, God gave breath to four children: Janice, Sharon, Anita, and John, Jr. During their early marriage John, Sr., served in the United States Air Force and this provided Barbara and their daughters the opportunity to travel overseas and live with him in Japan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. At the end of his military service, they returned to the United States for her to give birth to their son.

Barbara tended her garden with love and an eye for the little details to help cultivate and nurture her family. She was quiet and prudent as well as an encourager and confidante to others. Treasuring and acknowledging the special dates, milestones, and events in the lives of family and friends was meaningful to her.

She chose a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, which aligned with her passion for care and compassion. Throughout her life, her hands were rapturously busy with sewing, quilting, gardening, holiday celebrations, being a helpmeet to her husband, John, Sr., and serving in the church. She helped to coordinate the church children's ministry and areawide Ladies' Day for many years. Planting seeds into the earth and seeing them sprout brought smiles to her face and planting spiritual seeds into the hearts of children and ladies though Bible study brought her joy.

She is affectionately called "Nana" by her grandchildren for whom she had an abounding love. Her children saw the fruit of the Spirit in her and rise up and call her blessed!

Barbara was called home to be with our Lord on April 9, 2023, on Easter Sunday in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband, John Clayton, Sr.; daughters, Janice West (Terry), Sharon Thomas, and Anita Clayton; son, John Clayton, Jr.; grandchildren, Mariah West, Terrance West, Sterling Thomas, and Selton Thomas; sister, Deborah West; brothers, William Grayson, Jr. (Celestine) and Kenneth Grayson; aunt, Barbara Armstrong; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Among her previously departed loved ones are: parents, William Grayson, Sr. and Velma Grayson; sister, Carolyn Grayson; brother, Earenest Grayson, I; grandmother, Ailean Johnson; son-in-law, Mike Thomas; brother-in-law, Michael West.

A Home Going Service is scheduled, Saturday, April 22, 2023, 1:00 p.m., 18th & Denison Church of Christ with Bro. Eric Rodgers officiating. Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Interment will be in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK, Monday, April 24, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee