Henry Clayton

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day: and not to me only, but all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4: 6-8" These are the words off the Apostle Paul which describes so vividly the serviceable and faithful life of Deacon Henry Clayton, Sr.; a long life spent uplifting God and helping mankind. Henry Clayton Sr. was born in Muscoda, Alabama on July 11, 1930 to the late Virgil and Dora Clayton. The happy couple was excited about the new addition to their family. He was taught, along with his four brothers and three sisters, who all preceded him in death, to love the Lord, to always work, and to love and care for family and those in need. Growing up in the admonition of the Lord, Mr. Henry accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Reverend Wilson Fallin, Sr.; serving there faithfully as a member of the ushers ministry, the Superintendent of Sunday School, the Trustee Ministry, and the chairman of Deacons. After the passing of Reverend Fallin, deacon Clayton helped to spiritually guide the church through a difficult time. he would often say, "Church family, we must stay together until God sends us a pastor." Several years past and the church continued to seek God's guidance. One Sunday morning at the conclusion of Sunday School, Deacon Clayton noticed a young man walking towards the front of the church. As he approached him God touched Deacon Clayton's heart and whispered, "there is your next pastor." After several months of prayer Deacon Clayton spiritually led the church and Reverend Reginald W. Calvert was called to be the next pastor. Under his leadership Deacon Clayton continued to do ministry; visiting the sick and the home bound, comforting those that were hurting, offering a hand to those in need, and speaking a word from the Lord to those who were lost. As fate would have it, Henry met and fell in love with Jean Morris, and on February 19, 1950 they were joyfully married. To this union four children were born; Henry Jr., Ronald, Monica, and Kelvin. He was a devoted husband forr over 62 years and a loving father to his children. Not only was he a father to his children, but many others who sought his guidance and counsel during difficult and demanding times. He was known by his coworkers as "Doe-Doe." He served in the U.S. Army for three years. After his tour of duty he worked for Pullman Standard in Bessemer, Alabama until it closed. Because he believed that a man should work to take care of his family, he sought out employment and was hired by Ebsco Industries in Birmingham, Alabama where he worked until his retirement. After retirement he spent endless hours in the vineyard of the Lord until just a few days ago. Though the frailties of life consumed his physical body during his later years, his spirit gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. The "Dude Man," as he was affectionately called by those who loved him, will truly be missed. But on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at 6:30 in the morning, the Savior decided "Mr. Dude's' purpose on earth had been fulfilled. He had fought the good fight, and God called him to rest. Precious memories remain for his loving, devoted and caring wife, Mrs. Jean Clayton; three sons, Henry Clayton, Jr. (Elisha) of Mesquite, Texas, Ronald Clayton (Diane) and Kelvin Clayton, of Bessemer, Alabama; one daughter, Monica Clayton Cooper (Charles) of Birmingham, Alabama; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother-in-law; four sister-in-laws; a host of nieces, nephews,other relatives and friends, and the New Jerusalem Baptist Church Family.