Elizabeth Clayton was born September 28, 1930 in Miami, Florida to the union of the late
Timothy and Minnie Sanders. She was the youngest of three siblings. Her twin brother and two sisters preceded her in death. Elizabeth attended the public schools of Dade County, Florida where she excelled in her studies.

Her father was of Nassau Bahamian descendant. He taught her many things about being a woman of good character. Her mother taught her all the basic tools of cooking, cleaning and washing at a young age. But most of all, her parents planted their seed of faith. As a young girl she attended Mt. Moriah Methodist Church in Starke, FL. She accepted Christ as her personal savior and was baptized in the St. John River.

She relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 1949. Elizabeth later met and married the late O.C. Clayton on June 26, 1952. They were married at Camp Breckenridge Congregational Church in Kentucky by Capt. Francis Debillo. They were blessed with six children, and celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Elizabeth's passion was the love of her church. She has been a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for 40 years. She has served as a Sunday school teacher. She was also an active member of the Lutheran Women's Guild and was appointed as a delegate for conventions numerous times.

She shared the word of God with many young men and women who were searching for guidance. Even through her long periods of illness at Evergreen Health and Living Center she was always witnessing for Christ- Knowing that God placed her there for a reason. Perhaps to bring hope and encouragement to others.

Elizabeth was a stay at home mom for many years. She had hot meals
prepared for her hard working husband, (O.C.) and a clean home for her children.

Elizabeth was a nurturing grandmother for all her grandchildren whom she loved.

Later in life she worked at various jobs using her skills as a domestic housekeeper, and a nurse's aide at St. Joseph Hospital. Her most rewarding job was working for the Southfield Public Schools as a noon-aide. She loved her kids and made Christmas Gifts and distributed them to her students. She was continually planting a seed of love. Elizabeth retired in 2006. She worked for the district for 13 years.

She loved her community of Southfield, Michigan. Participating in "Senior Week" was her favorite. She attended many affairs at the Heritage, Heatherwood Retirement Community and The Burgh for outdoors summer concerts. She enjoyed the dancing, music, food and friendly atmosphere.

Elizabeth loved to travel. Her most memorable trips were with her daughter, Mary to Alaska, the Caribbean, Nassau Bahamas and her winter retreat in Florida.

Her history is inspiring. She was a Boy Scout den leader and manager of her voting precinct. In the 1950's she was a marcher and activist for civil rights. She didn't make a famous name for herself but when she was asked to join a march or attend a conference in Chicago, she was there!

She leaves cherished memories to her family. Three daughters; Mary Boima, Martha (Walter) Lindsey,
Jacquelyn Grooms, one son Randy (Charisse) Clayton. She was preceded in death by her two sons; Anthony Clayton and Arthur Sanders and a loving grandson John C. Lewis. 8 grandchildren; Lynell (Latrice) Collins Kenosha, WI; Lamont Collins, Tracey Hunley, Asia Clayton, Breonna Clayton, Eric Lewis and Marcus Lindsey. Special brother-in-law George (Ida) McLendon, Daytona Beach, FL; Nephew Pat Rivers, Chicago, IL; and Jean Tyson, Miami, FL; 12 great-grandchildren and a host of life long friends at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

She entered into peace on December 5, 2012 with her family at her bedside in Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI.

We will miss Elizabeth's words of wisdom "God is always with us"