A time and place for all things. Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Willie Darnell Clayton, Sr. of McKinney, Texas passed away on January 22, 2019 at the age of 82. He was born on January 12, 1937 to Larry K. and Mozelle (Frazier) Clayton in Melissa, Texas. Willie accepted Christ at a very early age at Good Hope Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines. After leaving the service, he graduated from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree. Willie then continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondal, Illinois where he obtained his Master’s Degree and then accepted his calling in the ministry at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondal, Illinois. Willie married Jean Johnson on August 20, 1973 in McKinney, Texas and to this union three children were born, Gay, Mary and Willie, Jr. Jean preceded him in death on April 26, 2004. Willie later married Lois J. Turner in Plano, Texas on May 7, 2006 in Plano, Texas. He served as Sunday school teacher, sung in the choir, served as brotherhood president and other capacities within the church. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Willie leaves to cherish is memories, his loving wife of 12 years, Lois Clayton of McKinney, Texas; children, Gay Griffin and husband, Howard, Jr. of Garland, Texas, Mary Cooper and husband, Don of McKinney, Texas, Willie Clayton, Jr. of McKinney, Texas; Reginald Clayton and Chauncy Clayton both of Little Rock, Arkansas; stepsons, Kevin Wortham, Robert Wortham and wife, Gee and Marvin Wortham; sisters, Sandra Bell of Dallas, Texas and Betty Palmer and husband, Dennis of McKinney, Texas; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Clayton; parents, Mozelle Frazier Williams and L.K. Clayton; sister, Mary Evans, brother, James Williams and stepson, Michael Wortham.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at First Christian Church, 1800 W. Hunt St., McKinney, Texas 75069. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday evening between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.