To the Clayton family
   I will miss the conversations your father and I shared talking about God. 
Your  father  journey through life and  left  footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even though he is gone, the trail he  leave behind will continue to inspire us.
Praying God will comfort and care for you while you celebrate his memories  that lives on.
Love you,
The Washington family

 Daddy at the  Mt. Calvary MBC Deacon and the brotherhood meeting.

What an Amazing man my Godfather was. He loved the Lord, his family, Godchildren and everyone he came in contact with. I have such fond memories of spending quality time with my Godfamily that I will cherish forever. Sending my Love, condolences and prayers from Texas. Love Hope and family.

I was one of Willie's God Daughter's.  He and Easter met my parents before I was born.  I assumed they met at Mt. Calvary, but we lived in the same neighborhood so I am not really sure.  I was around the family regularly from birth until I got married, had children, and moved out of the neighborhood.  He (as well as the family) has helped shaped me into the woman I am today, and for that I am forever grateful.  Life got in the way and visits became infrequent, but I kept in touch!  He and the family were there for me throughout the years for all of my losses and successes and I am honored to still be a part of the family to help celebrate him.  I will always love him and he will be greatly missed.

We little knew that morning 
God was to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, 
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
~Anonymous

One of the fond memories I have of Willie is when we worked together on one of my leaking sprinklers. In my front yard he dug around the sprinkler exposing the pipe the sprinkler head was attached to - due to the leak the ground was rather muddy.  We were down on our knees I had pliers holding one area he had his wrench trying to separate head from the pipe - he lost his grip and his hand splashed down into the mud tossing it straight up in the air covering my face and hair in large blotches of mud - we leaned backed on the lawn and laughed so hard - I thanked him for my free facial. 
I will miss our times together working on different projects at my home - don’ t know how much help I was  but we sure had fun laughing and siping lemonade.
By the time I get to heaven I’m sure Willie will have the sprinklers up there in good working order- hopefully all the mud has settled down.
Until we see each other again my friend, Ginny Keast


You became a second father to so many people.  You became a watchmen over the little children, and my kids never forgot that.  Thank you for being the strong man of God, and a guiding light for us.  You will be missed.

Thank you grandpa for everything.I’ll miss you and love you forever.

I New Mr. and Mrs. Clayton for over 30 years they opened their home and heart to me and my family at the time Rhonda Melton and Renisha Owen they took us in treated us like family And was always present for birthday events funerals social get together barbecues on the Fourth of July!  Clayton felt like family and actually was very warm and always present regardless of the situation and always in your heart, you will be missed especially by myself and your honorary granddaughter Renisha Owen who shared your birthday and love! 

God bless the man and Family Kevin Owen

To my God-given Father, 
A million times over I will miss you.
Thank you for the lifetime of love.
Until we meet again, enjoy Paradise!


Thank you for showing me what a loving, strong, and faithful, man of God looks like. I appreciate all of the lessons you gave, the love you continuously poured into me, and the warmth that you provided me with for many, many years. Rest in paradise birthday twin! You will forever be loved and missed.

To the Clayton Family,

On behalf of our mother Mary Ray and the entire Ray family, we wish to offer theses words of comfort.  Deacon Willie Clayton touched our lives in many ways. When we began to think of the many ways, there were too many  to mention, but know this;  he was a true servant of God who was always at God’s   beck and  call. Deacon Clayton  willingly put  himself at God’s disposal instead of his own.  He lived  his life attentive to the voice and desires of God. Mom said she will miss her friend; she said this with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She knew his spirit. We will miss him also. May the grace of God be with you. We love you all.

The Ray Family 

To the family of Deacon Willie Clayton,  The Banks and Williams family send our condolences. He was such a special man who always showed his love for God with  words and a smile.  He shared persimmons with me (Linda) to make cookies never expecting anything but how could I not make cookies for him.  I truly enjoyed that he enjoyed the cookies.  I will miss you for being so kind and generous.  Rest In Peace our friend.
Love Mother and Deacon Banks and Linda Banks Williams ❤️

To the Clayton family our prayers are with you at this time.  Willie was a very humble and sweet man and he will be missed. God has another angel. ❤🙏🏽
God bless and keep you in His care.

Uncle Will  sorry I didn't get a chance to visit you when I was  home for a visit but glad I got to talk to you  Just remember the time that you and  Uncle Charles came to visit and stay with me and the family here in Cleveland you are going to be missed love ❤from Cleveland Sandra, Ricka,Darren and Ebony and Simone  condolences to my cousins ❤you all

Our Uncle,

You have always been the sweetest, kindest, most giving and loving person. Your smile and laughter is bright enough to light any dimmed room! The amount of time, dedication, sacrifice and passion you placed into everything you did wholeheartedly, manifested outwardly through your being. 

You are a very special man! Full of wisdom, a true leader, never judgmental and a heart that yearned for God. You, our Uncle, are the example to live by. You've planted seeds and have watched them grow- through generations to come. For that, we are thankful. 

As time continues to pass, you will always remain the voice of reason. The person we think of when remembering our grandma (you are two peas in a pod) and conversations you once had. How proud of us you are and happy we've made you. To see the adults that we've become and the additions we've birthed into this world. To implement the life-lessons you've instilled and lead by your example.

We are humbled by your presence and opportunity to share many memorable moments with you. 

In our hearts you will permanently reside, alongside our grandma's. Send our love to her,  Aunt Easter and those who've been called before your rest. May your love resonate passed eternity and fill the hearts and minds of those you've touched.

Our Love,

(Your Great Nephews and Nieces)
David, Robin, Jiana, Sarai and Trey (David III) Landry



I’ve  known Willie since 1992 when hired to be my lawn person. What I received from him was so much more - we shared stories about family , neighborhood friends and the bible. Words spoken from him showed the  condition of his heart - his words were filled with compassion, kindness, appreciation and patience for people. He was always humble and thankful in all things including the love he and for others and God. He was very positive to be around and he had a smile that could light up the world.
Whatever life tossed at him he never complained because his strong faith in God would get him through it.
I will miss him dearly but I know someday I’ ll see him again.
Your sister in Christ,   Ginny Keast

God Saw You
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

                                                 “If Only.....”

If only there was just more time....one more hour, one more day,
I'd lean into your years of wise as a humbled man who loved to pray

If only I could hear one more word of wisdom as you drift into the Father's arms, 
I'd truly take it all to heart and from within it shall never part

If only I could hear just one more joke or one more story,
As I'm reminded how you praised and gave God the glory 

Through trials and tribulations, whether happy or sad,
Not only the good days but also the bad 
As the foundation of your faith was all that you had

If only I could hear just one more hymn of "pass me not"
Of our gentle Savior who never forgot, 
Your humbled cry or your midnight sigh

If only we had one last supper to share, 
It would be buttermilk and cornbread you loved so fare

If only I could hear the angels singing and rejoicing as they welcome you in, 
As you reap your reward and eternal life begin

If only there was another just like you,
Who would stand in intercession so faithful and true

If only they knew that God picked from the best,
To take you home and lay you to rest

Because you kept the pace, you ran the race, and 
Now you're gliding in God's amazing grace

So, as we cherish the memories, we hold so dear, 
Through the testament of your life we’re forever blessed 
Not only today, but through each passing year!

From your sunrise to your sunset, we will never forget, 
How you paved the way and left none to regret.

-- LaRosa Clayton



My Dear Uncle Will, 
A Humble & Hearty Man of God.....
If only these words that are spoken from my heart was a remake of your life’s story I know you would not rewrite it any different than the way God has already written every chapter from your beginning and through your end. So for me, the words “If only" speaks influentially of the passage of your life and the powerful impact you made in my life, the lives of our family, and of so many others. You wore your crown well, you wore it bold, you wore it proud and you wore it loud. Your voice never silenced, never afraid or ashamed of boasting about the goodness and grace of the Almighty God you were born to praise, worship, and serve. A prayer warrior like no other. Your faith was relentless and never wavered. Not only did you talk, but you also walked your life in works and deed. So as you enter beyond the pearly gates, your long white robe, golden slippers, crown of life, and heavenly wings await you as you have certainly inherited your reward.

You now have eternal life with your Lilly, your mom and dad, a few sisters and brothers (including my mom), and a host of so many other angels who had gone before you.

You will truly be missed down here on earth. The wisdom you instilled and the lessons you taught will forever impede upon our hearts and in our minds, but the footprints you left behind will be hard to fill.

I Love, Thank, and Honor you Uncle! R*I*H

Your niece,
LaRosa Clayton

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James1:12 (ESV)


Willie was such a Blessing.
One of our dearest customers at Recycling Services Centers.
Truly a man of God.
Our love and prayers to all the family.

Derek and Danielle
Christy Ryan Christopher Carrington
Robert Williamson


To the Clayton family. We have had the pleasure of knowing Brother Willie Clayton and his family. It was truly a blessing to have known such a wonderful family. Brother Clayton was a man of God and he had a loving heart. Being a friend of daughter of Willie Clayton gave me the opportunity to know and grow to love the Clayton's. My heart goes out the Clayton family. God bless you and keep you.

Love Kasai Humphries Locke and family


Sending our love and condolences to a long-time friend and family.  We share so many wonderful memories of Brother Clayton and Easter, especially during our years of service at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.  We will always cherish the memories that we have shared.

Love you all, Sister Ann Lewis and Family

Clayton Family,
We are truly sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. Your Father was a great man and he will be truly missed and will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May the Holy Spirit be present to you every moment of this difficult journey. May your faith grow deeper. May your hope extend into eternity. And may his love fill you with peace.

 With loving hearts
The Aguirre and Guerra Family


Our hearts are sadden just knowing that our Dear Brother in Christ will not be here to say hello and how we will miss him. We do realize that he got tired and went to be at rest with the Lord. We will always remember the good times we shared and how we loved to hear you sing.
Our condolences to the Family
Howard and Dorothy Irving 

Dear Clayton Family,

In spite of knowing that Willie was ready to go home and is so very happy there, his loss has left a huge hole in my heart.  He provided inspiration, acceptance, love and hope in the lives of many, including mine.  It was a thrill to see him and a joy to be able to spend time with him and for that, I am so grateful.

For you, it must be all the more difficult to feel his absence.  We pray that the days ahead will be softened by the Lord’s presence in your lives and the surety that you will meet again.
Memories are also such a comfort and you must have many.

One of my favorites is that once my kids were grown they’d come home for the holidays and when they saw that Willie had come, they’d pass the word and go running out to pay their respects.  It was such a treat for them to see him.

Matthew, who was disabled, made it his priority to always have lemonade ready for Willie.  He’d either make it himself or from a can which we made sure to always have, or else!

As you know, Willie spread joy, humor and good cheer everyday of his life.  I chuckle whenever I think of the day he had had it with our front doorknob which came off again, one too many times!  Quickly leaving the house to go to his truck he came back in, fixed it and it is still working perfectly to this day!

Another time he saw that I was throwing away a broken broom and said he could easily fix the handle.  He replaced it with one full of slivers so I just always used it wearing gloves!

My kids and I have each talked of Willie over and over again these past weeks and we all agree that he looked to God for his guidance and did his best to be a worthy child of his Father.  By never complicating the simplicity of what he was called to do he lived an exceptional life.  

Thank you for including me in your lives and for sharing your wonderful father with me over these many years. 

With much love and many prayers,
Cecilia McGrath



Grandpa I will miss your voice ,your stories,your laugh, you falling asleep when watching shows throughout everything you believed in me even when I started to doubting myself you were there when I hurt myself when I was a kid to the time you walked me down the isle to my husband. I will forever miss you but I know you are happy with our father,grandma,and your family this is not goodbye this is I'll see you there. save me a seat I love you always 
 Jennifer

My dear sweet grandpa you were truly the best grandpa ever. Thank you for showing me what a real man is. Thank you for the unconditional love. I am the person I am today because of you. I am proud and honored to be Willie E Clayton’s granddaughter. Job well done grandpa. I love you forever ❤️

OBITUARY

Willie E. Clayton

November 13, 1933 – January 29, 2021

Green Acres Memorial Park & Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services