Obituary of Mary R Clanton

Mary Ross Clanton was born on July 20, 1929 to Minnie and Garvey Ross in Cartersville, Virginia. She was one of six children and was raised a farm girl in Cumberland County. Mary often shared about her dream that everyone of her children would graduate high school and be able to pursue their dreams. She began to move towards that dream when she was united in holy matrimony to Edward F.Clanton, Sr. on December 24, 1958 To this unionwas born Joan, Renae, Carolyn, Michelle, and Edward, Jr. Mary graduated from Cumberland County High School. After graduation the family gathered for refreshments; however Mary was on a schedule and couldn't stay long. She grabbed her suitcase, kissed her mother and followed her older sister Nancy and her husband, Leroy to the top of the hill where they caught a Greyhound bus to Richmond then took the Amtrak train to Newark, NJ. Mary was a woman of strong faith. This faith did not suddenly appear but was developed over time beginning atan early age. When she was young she loved attending Sunday School and was baptized at Center Union Baptist Church in Powhatan, VA. When Mary came north she made sure she found a church and joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church located in Newark, NJ. In August 1995, she accepted an interesting invitation given by a friend, Dorothy Kyle, to come hear her pastor teach at a bible study. Mary accepted that invite and heard Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, Sr. for the first time. The following week she returned with a promise by Dorothy that she would "walk with her" if she decided to join. Mary took her friend up on that promise and joined the Metropolitan Baptist Church in August 1995 and remained a faithful member until her death. It was Mary's ever growing relationship with God that strengthened her on her journey and enabled her to speak words of life and encouragement to those who had a listening ear. Yes, Mary Clanton was an amazing woman. She spent her entire life loving and caring for her family. This love was extended to the many children who were placed in her care before and after school. This love was expressed in many ways but especially during holidays when the smell of her macaroni and cheese, collard greens, virginia ham, pot roast, candied yams and lemon cake permeated every nook and cranny of the house. But dinner was not complete withoutMary Clanton's koolaide and southern sweet tea. It was during these special gatherings that her joy was full- in the presence of her family. Mary entered into eternal rest on May 17, 2012 at 12:30 pm. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Mabel and Nancy. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved sister, Mildred; her children: Joan (Norris), Renae, Carolyn (Julian), Michelle, and Edward, [r.: grandchildren: Donna, Takasha(Andrew), Zakia, Brian, Marquise, Chevanie, and Michael; great grandchildren: Dominique, Daishon, Danayah, Zariah, Makailah, Zaire, [aylon, and Zada; and a host of nieces, nephews and godchildren. Lovingly submitted by the family. "We never touch people so lightly that we never leave a trace." - Unknown