Charlene V Clayton

Charlene Vincent Clayton, age 91, of Meridian, MS, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Sunday, July 14th, 2024. Charlene and her twin brother Charles were born on April 4, 1933, in the Pine Springs Community of Lauderdale County. She was the daughter of Adelle Walston Vincent and Charles B. Vincent, Sr. She graduated from Center Hill School in 1950, and then Meridian Junior College in 1952.

As a young woman, she worked at Jeff Anderson Memorial Hospital until she became a homemaker and mother. She later returned to work for 35 years (past her 85th birthday) as the financial secretary at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, which was not a job, but a ministry to her.

She married Ayrrell S. Clayton on August 18, 1963, and was blessed with 49 years of marriage. When asked of her significant life accomplishments, she replied "a wonderful husband and 3 delightful children".

Her hobbies included cake decorating for birthdays and weddings for family and friends, along with sewing and cooking. She was an avid sports fan (especially the Atlanta Braves)! Her family will miss her holiday cornbread dressing. The grandchildren were constantly on her mind, well into their adulthood.

In 1980, Charlene's life would forever be changed. She was diagnosed with cancer that would lead to multiple surgeries and challenges for the next 44 years as a cancer survivor. She not only learned to live with its lingering effects, but to glorify God through her journey. Her life impacted many people over the years and has been a witness to leaning on the everlasting arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was an example of resilience, determination, patience and strength that will forever live in the lives of her children, grandchildren and those who knew and loved her. She felt her unfinished work was to continue to glorify God. Now, it is finished.

She is survived by her children, Amy Price (Philip) of Meridian, Dr. Todd Clayton (Kristi) of Jackson and Jane Cory (Michael) of Madison. Her grandchildren include Dr. Christopher Price, Amanda Horne (Gibson), Sidney Clayton, Davis Clayton, Grady Clayton, Ross Hopkins, Caroline Hopkins, Tripp Cory and Sarah Cory. Honorary grandchild Benjamin Eakes. She is also survived by nieces Patsy Reynolds, Norma Cushing and Peggy Eakes as well as nephews Wesley Thornell, Harold Irby, Melvin Irby and Glenn Parker. She is also survived by numerous great nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents Adelle Walston Vincent and Charles B. Vincent, Sr., husband Ayrrell S. Clayton, brother Charles B. Vincent, Jr ("sister" Mary Ann Vincent), sisters Dorothea Parker, Nannie Claire Thornell, Mae Delle Irby and Mable Vincent.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 5-7 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, as was her home for 61 years. Rev. Ken Patterson, Rev. Rick Green, and Rev. Wayne Smith will be officiating the services along with instrumentalist Barry Germany and Greer Goldman. Burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church and the Anderson's Regional Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund.