Hattie P Clayburn

CLAYBURN, Hattie Mae Pou, age 88 of Fairfield, CT entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2011. Born on June 11, 1923 in Orangeburg, SC, she was the daughter of the late Blain Mc Clain Pou and Ellen Brown. Hattie moved to Stamford, CT where she married her late husband Malvin and raised their three children, Pat, Malvin and Dennis. Hattie had received numerous honors and awards for her education, community, religion, and business services. She was the first minority female to attend and graduate from J. M. Wright Technical school in Stamford. She and her family opened Progressive School of Beauty Culture and then owned the first African-American owned beauty salon in New Canaan with subsequent salons in Stamford, Danbury and Norwalk. After a forced close of her business she returned to J. M. Wright Technical and gained permanent status as the department head of cosmetology. Hattie petitioned and won a seat on the Stamford Democratic City Committee which had given her recognition in the community for her outstanding contribution to education and community service and for which July 11, 2003 was proclaimed Hattie Clayburn day. Hattie also participated in and achieved many recognitions for her numerous community services with such organizations as United Way, League of Women Voters, Teacher of the Year and Urban League founder of South Western Fairfield County to name a few. Hattie was also a servant of her religion. While serving as Deacon at the First Congregational Church in Stamford, she co-sponsored three African refugees and provided free housing for them. After her retirement from J.M. Wright Technical school four years later (at the age 73) she returned to work as a receptionist with Fitlinxx where she faithfully exercised and worked 10 more years before she retired for her second time. Hattie dedicated her entire life to her family, her community and her religion. She was the perfect example of God’s work and will be missed by all she left behind. She is survived by her daughter, Pat Lucas and husband William of Norwalk, CT and her two sons, Malvin and wife Arline of Bridgeport, CT and Dennis and wife Marion of Fairfield, CT; as well as four grandchildren, Clinton Wallace of Stratford, Krista Wallace of Bridgeport, Thomas Murphy of Derby and Dennis Clayburn, Jr. of Fairfield and seven great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Malvin in 1982, her brother Henry Pou and sisters Kate Smith, Clay Meyers and Rosalie MacDonald. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 30 at 11:30 am at First Congregational Church, 1 Walton Place, Stamford. Friends may call on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:00-11a.m. Arrangements under the direction of Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Stamford, CT.