William Henderson Clayton

Johnston County lost a titan on Sunday, May 20, 2018. Deacon William "Bill" Henderson Clayton, Sr. was well known in Johnston County. He was the son of the late Monroe Clayton, Jr. and Addie Thomas Clayton of Roxboro, NC. He grew up on a 123-acre farm in Person County with his father, three brothers, and two sisters. His mother died when he was two; therefore, he was raised by his father and siblings.
William graduated from Person County High School where he played football and was a member of the New Farmers of America. He did apprentice work at Sharpe Funeral Home in Roxboro but didn't like the work and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served 5 years as a noncommissioned officer in the anti-aircraft and field artillery division in Ft. Bliss, Texas, Ft. Myer, Virginia, Alaska and Germany.
Following an honorable discharge from the military, William enrolled in A&T State University in Greensboro, NC and received a degree in agricultural education in 1963. He joined the Johnston County Extension Service in June 1963 and did additional study at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.
William touched the hearts and minds of thousands of young people during his storied career as a 4-H Extension Agent in Johnston County. His work helped to pave the way and calm heightened racial tensions during integration into Johnston County Public Schools in the early 1970s. What was so amazing about William was his humility. He never wanted credit, he only wanted to serve.
Through 4-H camping, canoeing, conventions, and projects, William brought together young minds and talent from across Johnston County for fun and fellowship. He was dedicated to the idea that extending education in a wholesome environment would reap great benefits for the future. Most of all, William taught the order of the Golden Rule. He taught thousands of students the importance of sharing love with other people. William was an innovator, a community leader, and a builder of futures for the thousands of lives he touched throughout his career. William was a quiet hero, a titan who graced all with his wisdom and his service to mankind.
In 1974 he received the Johnston County 4-H Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in Wichita, Kansas. Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards for his professional and civic accomplishments. He later retired from the Extension Service and entered into his "Phase II" as a teacher for the Johnston County School System, where he was most proud of fostering partnerships with Iowa State University and his beloved NC A&T State University.
William was a former member of the Johnston County Board of Health, Clayton Improvement Council, Clayton School Career Education Advisory Council, and Clayton Chamber of Commerce. In 1972, he received certificates of appreciation from the Clayton Chamber for his leadership in the Clayton Soybean Festival and the Governor's Award Program.
William was also a longtime, faithful member and deacon of First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC where he was committed to serving God's people even unto his last breath.
William has reunited with his beloved wife of 53 years, Janie, whom he affectionately called Janie Earlle.
William is survived by a loving family: one son, Rev. William Henderson Clayton, II of Henderson, NC; one daughter, Sherri Clayton Winstead (Stephen) of Zebulon, NC; seven grandchildren, TaShaun Clayton of the home, Kionna Everette of Smithfield, NC, William Clayton, III (Tre') of Atlanta, GA, Shai-Ann Leigh Clayton of Greensboro, NC, Kaitlyn Clayton (Katie) of Blackstone, VA, Imani Shears of the home, and Amber Winstead of Zebulon, NC; three special grands, Shyindi Frazier, Montego Frazier, and Keyonna Shears; three great grandchildren, Journee Blake Adams, Reggie Jamil Hawkes, and Haslyn Parris, III (Tre); one brother, Atty T.T. Clayton, Sr. (Eva) of Warrenton, NC; one sister-in-love, Christine Clayton Pope of Roxboro, NC; four brothers-in-love, Lewis Watson of Dayton, OH, Frank Watson (Esther) of Smithfield, NC, Rudy Watson (Phyllis) of Wendell, NC, and George Shack of Detroit, MI;one daughter-in-love, Tanya Clayton of Blackstone, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

My childhood is filled with fond memories of spending quality time with Uncle Clayton and my beautiful Aunt Janie, whose devoted relationship I was fortunate to witness from the beginning. Soon after arriving in Johnston County, Bill Clayton laid eyes on a young school teacher, my Aunt Janie, and began courting her in earnest. Quickly, he became familiar with the whole family and me in particular; at 6 & 7 years old at the time, I could often be found shadowing my aunt as she babysat me during my mom's evening nursing shifts. To spend more time with his sweetheart, Uncle Clayton shouldered some of the baby-sitting duties, entertaining my mischievous tricks and introducing me to the delicacy of strawberries (a favorite fruit to this day). In those days, he'd appear at our home on most Saturday mornings with a box of strawberries just for me – I remember my mom teasing, "Bill Clayton, you are spoiling Pam". Long before Uncle Clayton and Aunt Janie had Westy and Sherrie to think of, I cherished my place as the "apple of their eyes". One evening, as Aunt Janie babysat me in my parents' home, Uncle Clayton arrived and proposed to her; at the time and now, the memory strikes me as perfect.
A true "Aggie", Uncle Clayton developed a knack and love for gardening, growing his own vegetables which he'd then proudly cook for Sunday dinners. My mom, who didn't like to cook, often brought me to join him and Aunt Janie on Sundays, where Uncle Clayton would always have hot dogs and hamburgers ready for the young folks. Dependable and pleasant, Uncle Clayton loved cooking so much that it came as no surprise to me when my mom tasked him with providing barbeque and coleslaw for my wedding rehearsal dinner; he jumped right into action and even assisted the caterers, ensuring the reception was a success.
Uncle Clayton's interests and experience on the farm led him to a career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an Extension Agent, a role that allowed him to exercise another of his lifelong passions: guiding and mentoring youth. While he was always a great uncle and role model to me, I've come to appreciate the profound impact he had on hundreds of children in the Johnston County area, introducing me and many of the County's Black youth to the 4-H Club. For years, with great wisdom and compassion, Uncle Clayton entertained our childish banter and shenanigans, accompanied us on our outings, and taught us about nature. He also introduced me to the Lake Gaston area, where I still go to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Uncle Clayton provided me with so many foundational experiences and opportunities to grow into the woman I am today.
Uncle Clayton was a man of great faith, placing nothing before his love of God, his family, his church and his friends. Always evincing the heart of a missionary and servant leader, it was only natural and appropriate that God called him home while he was out serving and ministering to others.
Don't worry, Uncle Clayton. You can rest assured that your living has truly not been in vain. Your life was noteworthy and resonant, and in your wake remains an indelible legacy for all of us to rejoice in and follow. The Lord has prepared an eternal home for you to rest in and commune with our love ones who went on before you, a just reward for your years of faithful service.
Westy and Sherri – Please know that I am here for you, merely a phone call away. To all present at this celebration - Let our memories of Uncle Clayton fill our hearts with joy, bring laughter to our lips and big smiles to our faces. Farewell, Uncle Clayton. Rest in peace, my King. I don't want to say goodbye, but I know without a doubt we'll reunite someday and pick up right where we left off. Until then, we will surely miss you—but without a doubt, we will see you again. FORMER STUDENT REMEMBER THEIR TEACHER
Mr. Clayton was one of my favorite teacher as well as one of the best dressed men on the planet. In my middle school years 1997-2000 Mr. Clayton would come to school every day clean. I mean runway Tom Ford, Armani clean everyday (and I mean every single day). In all my school years including college I've never seen a teacher dressed nowhere as good as he did. Hey I've never seen a wolf on Wall Street dress as good as him. He dressed in a full 3 piece suit, suspenders, matching tie and pocket scarf, with shiny cuff links. Now, his shoes were always clean. Classic wingtip clean and shined perfectly to match his belt. Well one day in science class we had to plant a garden, and that required that the ground be plowed for seeding. So Mr. Clayton grabbed the handheld motor plow and went to work in a nice suit and shoes. Now I've never seen a person plow in a suit better yet wingtips shoes. But I watched as dirt went everywhere. When he was done I asked, "Mr. Clayton why did you do that in that good suit, you just messed it up". He smiled and put his thumbs behind his suspenders and said "I never wear my good suits to school". At that moment He changed the game for me forever. Rest In Peace Mr. "Met Gala Ready" Clayton. You will truly be missed. ~Kaprisha Gibson, New York, NY


Visitation:
Saturday, May 26
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Poplar Springs Christian Church
6115 Old Stage Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Funeral Service:
Saturday, May 26
11:00 AM
Poplar Springs Christian Church
6115 Old Stage Road
Raleigh, NC 27603

Interment:
Saturday May 26
Maplewood
Clayton, NC 27520