Vivian H. Clayton

After a strong and valiant effort Vivian Helen Clayton, 97, passed away on January 11, 2016 at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona. She passed as she had lived; with strength, dignity, grace and the comfort she found in the love of her family, friends, caregivers, and beloved dog Scooter. Vivian Clayton, was born June 5, 1918 to Harry Vivian Henderson and Nora Lee Henderson in Newark, Arkansas. Raised on a farm, she knew the value of hard work. After her family came to Phoenix she worked in retail at Sears, Montgomery Ward, and Goldwater’s Department Stores. She even once sold a coat to her daughter’s future mother-in-law; long before they knew what the future would hold. Always committed and devout in her faith, she influenced many young lives as a Sunday School teacher at Eastside Church of Christ for more than 37 years, and was active in the Associated Women of Pepperdine Christian University. Vivian married Melvin Lee Clayton on May 23, 1942. It was a marriage that spanned more than 73 years. They shared in the joy of raising their daughter Patty, and twin sons Gerie and Gregory. And they rejoiced in the blessings of 7 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Vivian was known for her timelessly elegant style, always being impeccably dressed. She had a charismatically royal presence about her. She was a devoted wife and mother, and cherished friend to all who knew her. She never told a lie, was never afraid to speak her mind, and always stood up for what was right. She knew that having class was not about how big your bank account was, but how you treated the people around you. While her life was not without sorrow, she never dwelt on the painful memories of the past but always had a hopeful optimism about the future. Memorial Services will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, January 23, 2016 in the Chapel at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85009 Memorial Gardens at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery. The family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his. honor to Copper Basin Bible Camp in care of Camelback Church of Christ, 5225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018.