Carmen Renae Crayton

Carman Renae Crayton, 49, passed away on June 16, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Carmen Renae Crayton was born in Monahans, Texas on December 7, 1968 to James and Clara Crayton (both deceased). She graduated from Permian High School in Odessa, Texas. Carmen dedicated her life to Christ at an early age, and continued to serve God throughout her life.

Carmen included the Lord in her everyday life, and was a woman who truly loved God. She would praise and worship God, even when walking and riding the bus. For many years she served at Grant AME Worship Center as a greeter, praise dancer and choir member, then later became a member of Diakonos Ministries.

As a single mother of five, Carmen devoted her entire life to her children. She was a woman who faced many obstacles and challenges, but always found a way to provide for her children, with the strength of God.

Preceded her in death are two sisters; Lavern Kelly, Clara Clayton and one brother, Ronald Crayton and her grandson, Dave Garland Jones III.

Carmen leaves to cherish her memory, five children: Ka’Shyra Smith, Kiomi Smith, Shyquetta Smith-Clark (Steppfon Clark Sr., husband), Darrell Smith (Patrice Mackey), and Clarissa King. She also leaves three sisters Dorothy Rogers of Odessa, Sandra Crayton of Austin and Jaszmine Diamond of Knob-Knoxter, Missouri; two brothers William Crayton of Macon and Rufus Crayton. Last and definitely not least, Carmen was known as “Gan Gan” to her six precious grandchildren who were the center of her joy: Kamyah Clayton, Hykeim Smith, Steppfon Clark, Jr., Ashtyn Clark, Paris Smith, and Darrell Smith, Jr. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral celebrating Carman’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78752.

To share condolences with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.