Mary Frances Reece Clayton, age 90 of Murphy passed away Monday, February 12, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.
She was born in a log cabin on Paul Caylor’s farm in Pine Log, NC. She was the first child born to the late Paul Green and Fannie Lenora Myers Reece. She graduated as Salutatorian of her high school class. After graduating high school, she married her sweetheart, Joe Clayton. In their 52 years together, they grew a deep-rooted family. A home with many stories, lots of memories, always filled with laughter.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joe; an infant son, Stevie; one son, Mike; one brother, Jim, a daughter-in-law, Debbie, a son-in-law, Larry, a great granddaughter, Christina and brother-in-law, Ned.
Surviving are three sons, Rick Clayton of Locust Grove, GA, Chuck and wife Shelia Clayton of Murphy and Bobby and wife Connie Clayton of Andrews; one daughter, Kathy Teems of Murphy, daughter-in-law, Evelyn Clayton of Murphy; two sisters, Anne Ledbetter and Helen Pratt and husband Larry all of Clinton, OH; 14 grandchildren, Angie, Missy, Paul, Matthew, Brittany, Michael, David, Missy S., Maggie, Stacy, Sephanie, Savannah, Emily and Katie; thirty-four great-grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mary Frances had many names based on the many roles she filled in this world. Some people knew her as Frances, Mary Frances, Nanny, Granny Tiny, NannyRick, Tiny, sister, aunt, wife and mom. But of all the names she was called, her favorite was being called a Child of God. She was saved on Easter Sunday over 80 years ago. Mary Frances devoted her life to serving the Lord and going to church. She was an active member in her Sunday School class and the Widow’s group at Little Brasstown Baptist Church. In a beautiful blessing box, found after her death was a handwritten note that stated,
“My greatest desire is to see all my children and grandchildren serving God and taking part in church and winning souls for Jesus. What a blessing that would be.”
Frances’ desire for her family was something she lived personally, often sharing Jesus with others. She would take pride in teaching the Lord’s prayer to her grandchildren, often gifting Bibles to her great grandchildren, and always encouraging her family to seek the Lord in all trials. Her love of God gave her great strength throughout her life. Often praying through many hardships and always finding the blessing at the end of the day. This faith challenged her to look at long term care as a mission field.
When Frances decided to relocate to the Nursing Home, she reignited her love for crafting and created many lasting friendships, even being known as one of the Fab 5 at the Nursing Home. Mary Frances is a gold medal recipient of the Silver Arts section of the Cherokee County Senior Games. Some of her favorite things to do while in the Nursing Home were playing BINGO, crafting with her precious roommate, Mrs. Jackye Prine and being a member of the Helping Hearts Committee. She often shared her faith with those around her and desired to see others follow the Lord.
Mary Frances leaves this world with a lasting legacy of 90 years. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends but what a glorious time she is having in Heaven today.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, February 16, at Little Brasstown Baptist Church. Pastor Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Paul Clayton, David Clayton, Matthew Clayton, Michael Clayton, Mike Logan and Macon Bateman. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Myers, Tim Brown, Kenny Hall, Larry Pratt, Matt Burris and Carroll Burris.
The family will receive friends at Little Brasstown Baptist Church from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service hour. Music will be provided by Susie Graham.
You may send tributes to the Clayton family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Pam Wojcik 
Sheridan Harley Dockery 
