Bonnie Mae Clayton

Bonnie Mae Clayton was the daughter of Mariah Hooker and Eckie Amos. She was born November 18, 1919, in Mexia, Texas. She was later adopted by her stepfather, Robert Foster. All three parents are deceased.

She was the oldest of her mother's six children. Her oldest brother ¬

Superintendent J.D. Foster - is her only surviving maternal sibling. Her sister - Eva Lee Stout - and brothers - Robert Henry Foster, William Earl Foster and Orea Foster all preceded her in death. In 2021 she lost two paternal brothers - Benny Lee Amos, Sr. and Tommy Amos, leaving John Amos as her only surviving paternal brother.

She and Warren Lynch were parents of her oldest son, James Harold "Top" Lynch. She later married Matthew "Bo" Jackson, who was the father of three of her children: Marvin Louis, Mattie B. (who preceded her in death) and Bonnie Marie. Later she and her husband L.J. Clayton, Sr. were blessed with eight children: Jerline (who lived six hours), Lois Jean, Clariese, Evon, L.J. Jr., Berniece, Rogena and Valeria. Her children were the center and joy of her life. Mrs. Clayton was a talented dedicated mother, who taught them Christian values and outstanding work ethics. As Bonnie matured through life, she joyfully participated in her children's life events. Her legacy is five generations deep. She was a supportive and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother.

From birth to death, Mrs. Bonnie Clayton was inquisitive with a thirst to learn and solve problems, which made her a born leader. She grew up in a preacher-led home, where she accepted Christ and learned to serve in the church. She followed her parents' model and trained her children to be active in the church. Marvin and L.J. Jr. are pastors, Mattie was a pastor, Valeria is an evangelist, and the others are active members of their congregations as well.

As a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Clayton worked as a Sunday School Teacher, Mission Teacher, President of the Senior Usher Board and Sponsor of the Youth Usher Board. She held many of these positions for 50+ years. She was a member with leadership positions in several social organizations in Fort Worth.

Bonnie was a widow with eight young children when L.J. Sr. died Thanksgiving Day 1964. She learned what it meant to trust and lean on God like she had never understood before. She persevered and took the role and responsibilities as head of the household and led her children to adulthood and success in their own rights!

Mrs. Claytons entered college when she was 57. She opened Mrs. Clayton's Day Care Center when she was 65. She became a specialist for abused and neglected children through Daycare of America and Catholic Charities. She became receptionist for Child Protective Services (CPS) when she was 79.

At 82, she built the home where she lived alone until her death. Before she left the northside, she wanted to open a learning center. Her desire was to leave a legacy. She is a legacy! All 11 of her children serve God, finished high school, had the choice to attend college, retired from meaningful employment, and are upstanding citizens! In addition, through Christ, she was able to touch and enhance countless other lives! God was a blessing to many people through her throughout the 102+ years He allowed her to serve on earth! Perhaps her secrets to longevity were serving the Lord, touching the lives of others, being a winner, and setting extraordinary goats and achieving them. Her final goat on earth was to pay off her mortgage! And she did it! AMEN!

Mrs. Bonnie Clayton leaves to cherish the memories of her fulfilled legacy, her sons:

James Harold "Top" Lynch (Gloria), Marvin Louis Jackson (Mary), and L.J. Clayton Jr. (Lori) and her daughters: Bonnie Marie Borders, Lois Jean Wallace, Clariese Hunter (Ladell), Evon Levy, Berniece Davis, Rogena Washington (Earl), and Valeria Session; 27 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; and 10 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the Clayton family.