James O. Clayton, Sr.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”-2Cor. 5:8

Mr. James Otis Clayton, Sr. heard his name being called and answered the call on December 23, 2020. James was born June 13, 1946 to Marvin Smith and Naomi Clayton in Sparta, Georgia.

James was reared in Hancock County, Sparta, Georgia where he attended school in the Hancock County School System. During his youthful years, James joined St. Galilee Baptist Church, where he found reinforcement and guidance that only enhanced his upbringing by his mother. Growing up, James was a very quiet and meek individual. He met and fell in love with Mary Hillman. They were united in holy matrimony and were happily married for 51 years.

Aspiring to make a difference and discover his life’s calling, James enlisted in the Job Corp. This opportunity allowed James to venture beyond the realms of Sparta, Georgia and begin to build the foundation for a rewarding career. In 1971, James relocated to Saginaw, Michigan. He became employed General Motors in Detroit, Michigan. He devoted 31 years to this company before retiring in 1999.

James had a love for family deeper than most and enjoyed gatherings of any kind that involved his family. He would often travel from Michigan to Georgia just to check on his mother and siblings. James had a love for fishing and hunting and would spend time doing just that every chance he could. He was also was a baseball king when it came to supporting and watching baseball games. James leaves a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of all those who were privileged to know him.

James was preceded in death by one son, James Otis Clayton, Jr.; father, Marvin Smith; stepfather, Henry Allen Hubert; one sister, Mary Devereux and one brother, John Hubert.

James leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Mary L. Clayton; mother, Naomi Hubert, Sparta, Georgia; children, Veronica (Willie) Williams, Sparta, Georgia, Christopher Clayton, Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Robin West, Devron Deacon, Va’Quisha West, Nyja Clayton; great-grandchildren, Keilani Carswell, Ke’yoshi Deacon, Amelia Deacon, Violet Justice, Pharaoh Darnell James Bradley; brothers, Bennie (Eloise) Clayton, Robert, Richard, Charles Hubert, all of Sparta, Georgia, Willie Hubert, Athens, Georgia; sisters, Donna Settles, Grace (Michael) Edwards, Angela Hubert Gordon, Brenda Hubert and Hilda Hubert, Milledgeville, Georgia; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family of James Otis Clayton would like to humbly thank you for your cards, flowers, and your kind expressions of comfort and encouragement. Whether through phone, text, social media or visits, we the family embrace your thoughtfulness. Your support during this difficult chapter of life is very much appreciated and has been and remains a comfort to all our family. -The Clayton Family