Kenneth B. Claytor, Sr.

Kenneth Bernard Claytor, Sr. was born on November 26, 1937, in Tazewell County, West Virginia, to Wendell Harvey Claytor and Ivor Beatrice Briggs Claytor. Kenneth is the fourth of eight children (five boys and three girls). His father was a coal miner and after being injured in the coal mines, Wendell moved the family to Washington D.C. when Kenneth was 13 years old.

Kenneth attended public schools in Washington D.C. and remained in the area where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Morgan Claytor. To him, she was his “Dottie”; to her, he was her “Boo.” Kenneth and Dorothy were married at The Greater First Baptist Church in Northwest Washington D.C., on July 15, 1961, and remained newlyweds for 59 ½ years. They soon added to this union two beautiful children Kenneth Claytor, Jr. and Kathye Claytor.

Kenneth and Dorothy joined Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church in 1985. He enjoyed serving the church and singing in the church choirs. Kenneth loved to sing and nothing would stop him from attending choir rehearsals and singing in the choir. He had a beautiful deep velvet tone when he sang. His voice was even a standout when singing with the Claytor and Morton family singing group.

Kenneth proudly served in the United States Army. After returning from the Army, he worked in construction, before starting his career at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He worked at NASA for 35 plus years before retiring. He and “Dottie” eventually moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland where they lived their lives and served the Lord together.

Kenneth loved the Lord and was a faithful servant at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie, Maryland for 25 years. He loved his family and his Greater Mt. Nebo family, especially the Brotherhood Choir members. Post retirement Kenneth enjoyed spending more time with his beautiful wife, taking road trips, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Kenneth Bernard Claytor, Jr. (Ruthi); daughter, Kathye Bernice Claytor; grandson Joshua Leedy; granddaughters, Danielle Claytor and Charleigh Claytor; sister Sandra Claytor Tucker, brother-in-law Ollie “Mike” Morgan Jr. (Allean); sister-in-law Delores Claytor; cousin Donald Claytor and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his wife Dorothy Morgan Claytor, father Wendell H. Claytor, mother Ivor Briggs Claytor, brothers Richard, Mark, Dennis and Juarez Claytor, sisters Gwendolyn Claytor James and Theresa Claytor.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 10am to 11am at Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, 1001 Old Mitchellville Road, Bowie, MD, 20716. A funeral service will begin at 11am at church. Burial is to follow to Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD.

Please see the following link for order of service and more photos and obituary information:

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