Lela Myrtle Clayton

Lela Myrtle Clayton, 99, formerly of Vernon, Texas, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2019 after a brief illness. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Wilbarger Memorial Park, with J.R. Hall officiating under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. On Thursday, May l6, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a visitation time with the family will be available at Sullivan Funeral Home.

Lela was married in 1941 to Lewin Clayton, who preceded her in death after 72 years of marriage. She graduated valedictorian from Coleman High School. Lela and Lewin moved to Vernon in 1948 to open Clayton’s Men’s and Boy’s Wear, which they owned and operated until 1982. A member of Wilbarger Street Church of Christ, Lela taught second grade Sunday School for many years. Lela was a Camp Fire leader, and she and her family enjoyed camping in the mountains. She enjoyed golf, winning the Ladies Championship at Hill Crest Country Club in 1977 and 1978. Lela and Lewin loved playing bridge, especially duplicate, and made formidable partners. Lela left a legacy for her family of faith, prayer, and Bible study, of wonderful family meals around the table, of camping and a love of nature, of a continuous thirst for learning, and of putting God and family first.

Lela is preceded in death by her husband Lewin and her son Stephen Clayton. She is survived by her daughter Lou Layne Railsback with husband Kenny of Stephenville, Texas, her granddaughters Julie Butchee with husband Jeremiah of Stephenville, Jennifer Hall with husband J.R of Union City, Tenn., and Mandy Crittendon with husband Ivory of New Orleans, La, her grandsons Kevin and Cameron Clayton of Oklahoma City, and eight great-grandchildren, Mason, Jack, and Hudson Butchee, Hannah and Tre Hall, and Jalen, Justice, and Maya Crittendon. She will be missed.

Memorials can be made to the Carnegie Library in Vernon.