Elizabeth Neal "Libby" Clayton's Obituary
Elizabeth “Libby” Neal Clayton, 76, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2017. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Gladys Neal; and sister, Doris Toler. Libby is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, David Clayton; sons, John G. Clayton and wife, Brenda, Neal Clayton and wife, Amber; daughter, Debbie Clayton Lee; sisters, Alice Pearson, and husband, Carl, Patsy Moore and husband, Dewayne; brother-in-law, Fred Toler; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren with one on the way; and a host of other family and friends.
Libby grew up in the Valley and graduated from San Benito High School. She met a young man who was in the service at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station – Port Isabel, Texas. For 58 years Libby and David raised a family, ran a successful company, traveled the world and carried their family on many of those adventures. She made friends everywhere she went and she could remember names and numbers of everyone. Libby always went out of her way to make people feel special, whether it was a thoughtful gift for someone or putting on a party for 50 at her home with all the bells and whistles. She loved to do for others, especially family and friends. You seldom saw her that she wasn’t planning something or talking on the phone. The phone for Libby was just an extension of her hand as she used it to stay in touch with everyone. Libby was very close to her sisters and wanted to talk to them every day if she could. When she became a “MeMe” it was one of her proudest accomplishments and no one could out spoil her grandchildren. Libby loved them dearly and it was her grandchildren that were part of the reason she agreed to move to Houston after living in the Dallas area for more than 50 years. Even as her health began to worsen, she never let that get her down. Libby was up every morning bright and early in her wheelchair to start her day. Just when she thought her grandchildren were her greatest joy, she found even more joy with her great grandchildren. She was always so proud of all her family and loved to share her joy with anyone who would listen. Libby was a lady with true grace, poise and courage, even after losing her sight, her ability to walk or cook for her family which provided her favorite memories. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Libby’s honor to the Texas Funeral Directors Association in Austin at www.tfda.com or the charity of your choice.
Services in Pearland, Texas will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The visitation will take place from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm with the funeral services following at 3:00 pm with Pastor Keith Anderson officiating. Services in Terrell, Texas will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations, 642 N. Rockwall Avenue, Terrell, Texas 75160. The visitation will take place from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm with the funeral services following at 3:00 pm with Pastor Keith Clayton officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell, Texas.
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