Essie Earline Cross Clayton

Essie Clayton, age 101, of Rockwall, Texas, formerly of Atlanta, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Essie was born October 5, 1920, in Vivian, Louisiana, to Jessie Lee and Alice Brunette Cross. During her teen years her family moved to Atlanta, Texas, where she met her future husband and love of her life, Malcolm Franklin Clayton, Sr. They married on June 21, 1941 and were married for almost 55 years until Malcolm’s death in 1996. As well as raising 4 children, Essie also worked at various retail stores in the Atlanta area over the years and was an active member of Westside Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and enjoyed reading, daily bible study, traveling and helping care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing many board and card games over the years but especially loved playing dominoes with her family and friends well into her mid 90’s. In addition to her husband, Essie is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Malcolm Clayton Jr.; son-in-law, Kenneth Tubbs; daughter-in-law, Linda Clayton; and five siblings. She is survived by her children, LaJuan Tubbs of Rockwall, Texas; Jimmy Clayton (Dorothy) of Mineola, Texas; Bill Clayton of Laneville, Texas; daughter-in-law, Gayle Cone (Chuck), 9 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, September 26, 2022, from 1 pm to 2 pm at West Side Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Monday, September 26, 2022, at West Side Baptist Church, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Rev. Paul Cothren officiating. Pallbearers will be Noah Hietbrink, Mike Clayton, Kevin Clayton, Landon Clayton, Keith Clayton and Todd Clayton. Interment will be at Antioch Cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Side Baptist Church’s charities Rebecca’s Pantry or Backpack Ministry. Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.