Frankie Bernard Clayton

On September 4, 2018, Frankie Bernard Clayton after 3 months of suffering with chronic breathing issues, surrounded by his Bride of 32 years, Blondie L. Clayton, his mother Mary L. Clayton, and his older sister Cheryl L. Clayton, breathed his last breath and went home to be with the LORD.

Frankie’s favorite pastime was fishing. Fishing seemed to always come up in his conversations. He loved gardening, raising rabbits, camping adventures, and his “Bride.” Though that was his favorite thing to do, he discovered his gift of teaching the Word and fell in love with wanting to see others experience and enjoy God right here on earth. With the help and encouragement of Tom and Paula Lossner, he along with the guidance of the LORD, his “Bride,” as he always called Blondie, began teaching the Practical Christian Living Class which the LORD has allowed to continue till now. Together they led the Marriage Mentoring Ministry training of other Marriage Mentors.

He began his spiritual journey, along with his Bride doing street evangelism, neighborhood to neighborhood. Together they witnessed the power of God changing darkness into light. Still hungered to do more, began house to house Bible Studies in neighborhoods, nursing homes, and apartment buildings; set up and/or assisted local pastors with outreach ministries.

From high school he served in the army as a helicopter repair specialist for 4 years in Korea. He was honored by Congresswoman Frederica Wilson which is recorded in the official Congressional Records for his part in teaching HIV/AIDS prevention to young boys from elementary to senior high school; encouraging students to remain abstinent. His work history involved their family owned child care centers to which he committed his time to any area they needed him in, especially cooking. Later he married his “Bride” Blondie L. Clayton on September 14, 1985 and together they began to mentor couples, men, women, and children. God grew them together spiritually and touched many lives through their togetherness.

When asked what he did for a living his reply would be: “I work for my ‘Bride’. Whatever she needs I get it done,” referring to her call to minister to women who had been abused and needed to connect with God’s love.

He walked in friendliness with a smile. The grandkids use to say, “Grandpa, you know everybody,” because he made sure he connected with people as he went about his way. He will be missed by many. The ache in his “Bride’s” heart is comforted by the prayer he always prayed before they went to bed at night: “Lord, if one of us should not wake, bring comfort to the other, In Jesus Name.”

He loved cooking as much as he loved fishing. Friends and family could not wait to be served a meal by him.

Frankie Bernard Clayton, you will be missed greatly. But we know where you are because of what your life reflected. God, we thank You for allowing him to be with us as long as You did.

His parents Mary Lee Clayton and his father Frankie Lee Clayton (deceased) married in 1954 and welcomed him into their lives on December 21, 1957. He leaves behind his wife – Blondie L. Clayton; Sons – James W. Lofton III (Nadine) and Dameon Clayton. Daughter-in-Law – Felicia Lattimore. Grandchildren – James Lofton IV, Christina Lofton, Alexis Lofton, Taj Lofton, Jevon Williams, Tremayne Augustin, Jaylyn Wilson, Rasuul Shakur Mutee Mustafa, Dameisha Demetria Clayton, Alexis Clayton, Damiya Demetria Clayton, Peyton Miller, and Prince Miller. Great grandchildren – Taylor Renee Ifill and Jaiden Christian Wofford. Mother – Mary L. Clayton. Sister – Cheryl L. Clayton. “Baby Sis” Kimberly L. Walton. Aunts – Minnie Lee Levell and Louise Adams. Sisters-in-law – Diana Capers, Pamela (William) O’Pharrow, Arlene Fulcher. Brother-in-law Jewel Gaskin. Nieces and Nephews – Shimaya (Warren) Baptiste, Albert Jenkins, Camille (Charles) Cox, Vanessa Polycarp, Tawanna Boyd, Leann Guinn, Sidena Fulcher, Sidor Fulcher, Lenston Fulcher, Tince Fulcher. Great Nieces and Nephews – Kayla Baptiste, Kyle Baptiste, Jerron Joseph Jenkins, Aidian Allwood, Aubree Delacruz, and many other nieces and nephews too numerous to name here. Spiritual Sons – Councilman Alix Desulme, Ozzy Valenzuela, Sam Santiago, Bradley Oestriech, Logan Oestriech. Spiritual Daughters – Delna Elisme,Thea Hadley, Jasmine Holt, Quindara Miller, and many other spiritual sons and daughters who chose to call him “dad,” “pop,” or “Mr. Frank.”