Obituaries

Home Going Celebration For Bro. Emmett Clayton, J.r.

Obituary

Emmett Clayton, Jr. was born on March 20, 1934, in Houston Texas, the son of Emmett “PawPaw” Clayton and Flora Lee Branford. He lived his life on his own terms, passing away on December 3, 2021, at the age of 87. Emmett attended Friendship Baptist Church where he was baptized and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He attended Dennis Wheatley High School, and one year at Texas Southern University on an Art scholarship. Emmett served in the United States Army for two years where his artistic talent was recognized and utilized, as he was asked to draw murals and portraits on the Army bases. Afterwards, he pursued more rigorous studies at The Art Institute of New York. Emmett married his wife of 32 years, Roxina J. Clayton, née Jackson, who preceded him in death. They lived in New York with their three daughters, Janet, Colette and Edith. During his career, Emmett worked for several large companies as an illustrator and has been known to say, “I was blessed to make a living doing the work I love.” Emmett was a very talented artist and an avid chess player, who loved a range of music and strived to eat right and exercise. Emmett Clayton, Jr. returned to live in Navasota, Texas in 1992. He passed with his daughters by his side. Emmett is preceded in death by his older siblings Dewitt Davis and Frankie Lee Baker, and survived by his younger sister Gloria Dean Clayton Lake. In loving memory, he leaves behind his daughters, Janet R. Clayton-Spence (Earl Jr.), Colette Clayton, Edith G. Newby (O’Neil), seven grandchildren, Isaac (Markeshia), Amber, Alec, Gabriel, Moriah, Earl III and Nathanael, two great-grandchildren, Aria and Ava (Isaac and Markeshia), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. He was beloved and will be sorely missed. Emmett Clayton, Jr. will be laid to rest in Houston National Cemetery on December 9, 2021, assisted by Daniel & Son Funeral Home of Bryan, Texas.