Samuel Clayton was born in the area of Detroit, Michigan affectionately known as “Black
Bottom” on November 16, 1929 to Elizabeth and Clarence Clayton. He was the 4th child of six
children born out of this marriage: Nathaniel Clayton (deceased), Clarence Clayton (deceased),
Elizabeth Clayton, Robert Clayton (deceased) and Gloria Strong.

Samuel loved to accompany his family every Sunday to The Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. He
was always so excited to attend Sunday school which ignited in him a hunger to learn more
about his Savior, Jesus Christ. This hunger led to knowledge and then understanding of the
Awesome Gift of Salvation provided for him. Samuel received Jesus Christ as his Savior at the
age of 18. He served faithfully in the church in many capacities.

Samuel graduated from Miller high school, then took on a military career. He served 20 years in
the Air Force achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and earning five medals. He met the “the love
of his life,” a cute little beautician, named Thelma Elizabeth Alston, while stationed in
Washington D.C. in 1952. Since his initials were S.C., he introduced himself to her as “Santa
Claus,” instead of Samuel Clayton. Six weeks later, they were married on September 9, 1952.
From this union they had four children. He continued his education while being a great provider
for his family at the same time acquiring his Associates Degree of Science from Wayne
Community College. They were married for 63 years. Thelma preceded Samuel in death on
June 18, 2015.

Samuel was a man who loved to try new things. He loved music. He came from a family that not
only loved music, but possessed musical talents, both vocal and instrumental. He not
only loved listening to music, he also liked to make an effort to play instruments. He played
piano, organ, guitar, trumpet and clarinet.

Samuel Clayton being an analytical person, never backing away from challenges, explained his
love for chess. He would be up late at night on the computer playing chess. He would write out
chess moves and strategies to win against the computer.

Samuel being a man of few words, expressed his great love for family by capturing his
memories on steel reel photography and camera shots that would last forever. Staying healthy
was also important to him. He exercised regularly and rode his stationary bike all the way into
his 90’s. This contributed tremendously to his longevity. Samuel lived his last years at Park
House Southfield Senior Living, in Southfield, Michigan.

Samuel leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters, Elizabeth Clayton and Gloria Strong; four
children, Gwendolyn Spratlen, Wayne Clayton, Barbara Williams and Lisa Clayton;
12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews,
nieces and friends.