Mary R. Clayton
Mary Reese-Clayton
Born August 22, 1900 Newton, Georgia
Mary R. Clayton was born on the 22nd of August in Newton, Georgia. Her proud parents were Mr. Jim and Mrs.Fannie Wilson Reese.
The young Miss Mary Reese had confessed Christ at an early age and joined St. Matthew's Missionary Baptist Church.
She moved to Miami, Florida and then relocated to Homestead, Florida.
She had settled in Homestead during the early 1920's where she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Charlie Clayton.
Their home was located on 4th street in Homestead, less than a block away from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.
Born August 22, 1900 Newton, Georgia
Mary R. Clayton was born on the 22nd of August in Newton, Georgia. Her proud parents were Mr. Jim and Mrs.Fannie Wilson Reese.
The young Miss Mary Reese had confessed Christ at an early age and joined St. Matthew's Missionary Baptist Church.
She moved to Miami, Florida and then relocated to Homestead, Florida.
She had settled in Homestead during the early 1920's where she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Charlie Clayton.
Their home was located on 4th street in Homestead, less than a block away from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
Mary Clayton would join St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in 1924 where she practiced her church covenant under the leadership of Reverend S. A. Thomas. She worked faithfully under two interim pastors.
Under the leadership of Reverend R. D. Powell Sr.,(1925-1928),she served as President of Usher Board #1.
After her term of office ended this did not discontinue her willingness to carry out her Christian duties. She assisted the church in many ways by working hard and long with others under adverse conditions during the early years, but these conditions did not deter her serving God and mankind.
Sister Mary Clayton also worked on the William Baker Circle, a Missionary Society, and was a District Leader for District #1. She was also a faithful member of Bethany Chapter #1 O.E.S. and Eureka Lodge #33.
Under the leadership of Reverend R. D. Powell Sr.,(1925-1928),she served as President of Usher Board #1.
After her term of office ended this did not discontinue her willingness to carry out her Christian duties. She assisted the church in many ways by working hard and long with others under adverse conditions during the early years, but these conditions did not deter her serving God and mankind.
Sister Mary Clayton also worked on the William Baker Circle, a Missionary Society, and was a District Leader for District #1. She was also a faithful member of Bethany Chapter #1 O.E.S. and Eureka Lodge #33.
Sister Mary Clayton was the community's ("hairdresser") beautician. She was also a seamstress by trade and owned her very own pedal powered sewing machine which she proudly displayed in her living room. Her living room also served as her work area.
The photo to the left displays the type of sewing machine that Mom Mary had in her front room facing the window looking out to 4th Street.
Josephine-Bush-Clark
In 1926 Josephine Bush moved to the Homestead area and brought Sarah Lee Bush, her baby with her. After some time in Homestead she met Mary R. Clayton who lived next door to a family of Clarks. Josephine would also become a Clark by marrying Homer Clark.
Josephine Clark made arrangements for Mrs. Mary R. Clayton and her husband Charlie to raise Josephine's little girl Sarah.
Sister Mary would raise Sarah as she would raise her very own daughter. She would mold and guide Sarah Lee to become a fine young lady in the South Florida community of Homestead. She would also teach Sarah the skills of a beautician, which she would learn well.
Josephine Clark made arrangements for Mrs. Mary R. Clayton and her husband Charlie to raise Josephine's little girl Sarah.
Sister Mary would raise Sarah as she would raise her very own daughter. She would mold and guide Sarah Lee to become a fine young lady in the South Florida community of Homestead. She would also teach Sarah the skills of a beautician, which she would learn well.
Hurricane Andrew 1992
Sister Mary Clayton's husband had passed but she continued to live a fruitful life on 4th street in Homestead until Hurricane Andrew destroyed her home in 1992. She then resided with her niece, Dorothy Hunigan in Perrine, Florida until her death. Sister Mary Clayton passed away on April 20, 1996 after a long illness. She was blessed to spend and share an enriched longevity; a personality beyond reproach.
Mary R. Clayton passed away on April 20, 1996
Mary was the oldest of seven siblings all of which preceded her in death.
Interment: Riverside Cemetery Albany, Georgia
A loving tribute to "Mom Mary"
You touched our lives in so many ways.
The love you gave to us will always be remembered.
"Sarah Lee Kemp and Family"