Grace Marie Clayton

Apostle Grace Marie Kelker-Clayton was born to Equilla and Regina Kelker on December 19, 1934, in Akron, Ohio. She attended elementary and high school in Barberton, Ohio. Apostle Clayton attended St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing as a nursing student and Akron Business Institute. She was certified in small business training. After the death of her mother, she left nursing. Apostle Clayton retired from the Medical Field in 1995 with 17 years between three hospitals as Director of Environmental Services at Children’s Hospital, San Diego – UCSD Medical Center, and San Diego Alvarado Hospital and Health Center. She was a store manager for the 7-Eleven stores moving to California in 1979. Apostle Clayton earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management from San Diego City College in 1982 and her certification as a C.E.H. (Certified Executive Housekeeper).

Apostle Clayton was called to the ministry a year after getting saved. The late Elder Preston C. Kelker ordained her as a Reverend at Christ Deliverance Crusades in Akron, OH. She joined Mt. Olive C.O.G.I.C. in 1980, under the tutelage of the late Dr. Vernon Cooper Jr. Apostle Clayton, was licensed as a National Evangelist in the C.O.G.I.C. She became his Administrative Assistant shortly after that. While there, she was the Anniversary Chairperson, Sunday School Teacher, Chairperson of the Ministerial Staff, Third Administrative Assistant to the Olivet District Superintendent, District Secretary, and the Elect Lady in the State Evangelist Department serving under State Superintendent Pastor Robert Booker, Sr. In 1989, she was ordained an Elder by the late Bishop George D. McKinney. She worked with the 2nd Jurisdiction as a state announcer for the convocations. In 1997, God called Apostle Clayton to pastor and was installed to pastor Born Free Ministries by the late Bishop George D. McKinney. In 2001, Bishop Ray Mack and Bishop George Archie consecrated Apostle Clayton as an Overseer. In 2005, she was consecrated as an Apostle by Chief Apostle Donnie Williams, Apostle C.S. Johnson, Apostle James Miller, and Apostle John Colbert in Pasadena, CA. Apostle Clayton pastored Holy Tabernacle Church of the Living God from 1997 and in 2005 God told her to rename the church Born Free Ministries for God told her she was born free and did not have to report to Eli anymore (Denomination) thus the church was under an Apostolic Authority. 2005, Apostle Clayton was chosen to be one of the guest speakers at Bishop T.D. Jakes 25th anniversary celebration where she represented women and seniors. While pastoring, God gave Apostle Clayton several visions for the ministry such as the House of Grace, which was a transitional house for the less fortunate, The S.O.S. (serving our seniors), and The Banner Ministry all to further the Gospel. After Pastoring for 13 years, she retired due to health challenges. God instructed Apostle Clayton to begin her work as a full-time Apostle. So, she started her travels to different cities, states, and churches in California to fulfill the call of an Apostle. While living in Las Vegas, Nevada she was a member of Fresh Wind Ministries under the leadership of her son Apostle Paul Kelker. After relocating back to California, she was a member of Healing Streams Community Church under the leadership of her children Pastor Kerry and Maria Davis until God called her home.

Apostle Grace Marie Kelker-Clayton was preceded in death by her father: Equilla W. Kelker. Mother: Regina Kelker. Brothers: David Kelker, Rudolph Kelker, Roland Kelker, Pastor Preston C. Kelker, Elder Ernest Kelker. Her granddaughters Tiffany Lyn Rice, Angel Faye Parker, and her grandson David Runeil Roberts.

She leaves to cherish her memories, siblings Overseer Regina Gladman, of Akron, OH, Carl Kelker of Newark, NJ, and DeJuan Kelker, Sr. of Akron, OH. Apostle Grace Marie Kelker-Clayton leaves to celebrate her legacy sons Michael Kelker of San Diego, CA, Anthony Kelker of Cleveland, OH, Apostle Paul Kelker (Yolonda) of Las Vegas, NV, and David Clayton (Roslyn) of Dallas, TX. Honorary sons Kenneth Parker of Perris, CA, and Roy Simmons of El Cajon, CA. Daughters: Apostle Maria Davis (Kerry) of Moreno Valley, CA, Pastor Lynette Simmons of Las Vegas, NV, Elder Chrystal Roberts (Rudy) of Temecula, CA, Marcia Robinson of San Diego, CA, Pastor Lisa Parker of Temecula, CA, Lori Jean Brently (Kevin) of Santa Clarita, CA and Collette Morris of Hemet, CA. Apostle Clayton also leaves to celebrate her legacy a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Goddaughter Minister Toya Kelker, Special niece/daughter Pastor Cynthia Mahiri spiritual sons and daughters, church family from Grace Temple, Mt. Olive C.O.G.I.C., Holy Tabernacle Church, Fresh Wind Community Church, and Healing Streams Community Church