Clayda F. Jones

Clayda Wynn Forguson Jones, 94, of Sanford was called to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 29 at Vitas Hospice in Winter Garden. Clayda was born in Sturgis, Kentucky on October 28, 1922. She was the youngest of seven children of Roscoe and Birdie Forguson. While Clayda was very young, the family moved from Kentucky to Sanford, where Clayda began singing and dancing at an early age. She had a beautiful voice and was asked to sing often at school and church functions. She met her future husband, Ashby Jones, at Seminole High School. They married in 1942 and were married for 70 years. They had two children, Leslie Carole and Ashby Glenn, Jr. Clayda worked as Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in Seminole County, and in the registrar’s office at Seminole Community College. Clayda continued her singing and dancing talents as a member of the “Happy Hoofers”, a senior dance group in Sanford. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Sanford. She was accomplished on the piano and played often for Sunday School classes. Clayda was a dedicated member of the church choir. Clayda was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter and son, Leslie Jones Vanlandingham of Beverly Hills, Florida, and Ashby Glenn Jones, Jr., (Tara) of South Daytona, Florida; grandchildren, Christina Joy Vanlandingham, Patrick Jones; and great-grandchildren Kinady, London, Emilee and June. Clayda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ashby, her brothers Hollis, Owen, Winfred, Wilbur, Darryl and Buck, and her grandson Ashby III. A Celebration of Life will be held May 20, 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sanford. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church in Sanford.