Annie Massengale Clayton passed away December 4, 2019 after a long illness. Annie’s activity and pleasure in her later years was made possible by her caretaker and friend, Kathryn Spencer. Annie’s family is forever grateful for “Saint Kathryn”.
Annie was born to Joseph Ludie and Mary Christenberry Massengale on January 16, 1923 in Akron, AL. She grew up in Moundville and graduated from Hale County High School as valedictorian at age 16. She was one of the early female graduates from the University of Alabama Commerce and Business School. As a student and after graduation, she worked in the Administration as Secretary to Dean of Students. There, Fred Lee Clayton, Jr’s sister, Lillian, introduced them in 1945, and they married on June 2, 1946.
Annie was a champion of peace, civility, humility and humanity. She used her humor and privilege to spread kindness through many avenues. She is survived by daughter Janis Clayton Cordell and son Fred Lee Clayton III, as well as granddaughter Barkley Alanna Cordell Sury (Sean), grandson David Alexander Cordell (Jessica), grandson Allen Dantzler Clayton and great grandchildren Anna Josephine Sury and Charles Liam Cordell.
Service will be held at 2:00pm December 9, 2019 at Southern Heritage Chapel on Hwy 119 with visitation and refreshments from 12:00pm-2:00pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, 518 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 or to the Salvation Army.
