Tributes

Through sparkling eyes and an easy smile, Betty Cook Clayton brightened our world and lifted our spirits. She was one of four children raised in the small town of Radford, Virginia to hardworking George and Julia Cook, a carpenter and his school teacher wife. Nicknamed “Dick” and “Cookie” and proclaimed “Spunky, Energetic and Tomboyish” in her yearbook, Betty was an irresistible combination of her father’s warm humor and her mother’s devotion to school and family. Her parents’ love and the fun relationships with her siblings, Elaine (Cookie), Jane and Tommy were central to Betty’s life. Betty graduated from Radford College with an Early Education degree at age 20 (Legend is, this smart Cookie skipped the 4th grade). Betty soon met the love of her life, Curtis Abbitt “Buck” Clayton with an explosive start in the ballistics lab of Hercules Powder Company. That fuse continued to burn for the 64 years of their marriage, radiant for all to see. It was Betty who encouraged Buck towards his Master’s in Hospital Administration from the Medical College of Virginia, and she supported them as a teacher as he finished his degree. Buck's long career brought them to hospitals in Virginia and Florida where they loved swing dancing to Big Band standards and were known as the standout couple on a dance floor. Her children recall Betty’s beautiful alto voice and fearless stage presence as she practiced for the Lions Club Minstrel show in Charlottesville. Those entertainment talents (which included a Marilyn Monroe rendition) were later reserved for the gathering of caring, fun-loving friends, the Trinity Methodist Sunday School group in Alexandria, Virginia, the MOGS. The MOGS heavenly gathering, with friendships en- during over 50 years, has just become a little more lively as Betty rejoins their group. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, friend and church leader, becoming an accomplished seam- stress, yarn-crafter, Girl Scout leader, activities’ taxi-driver, bridge, tennis, and ladies’ softball player, and even T- Ball coach. She had a strong mother’s instinct (eyes in the back of her head) that came in handy when raising two teenagers and a toddler in her early 40s. For leisure time with the children and friends, Betty and Buck enjoyed their cabin at Lake of the Woods, Redskins games, and bridge parties. Later in life, the two took golf lessons and served as volunteer Standard Bearers for several golf tournaments in South Carolina, walking the courses and interacting with the professionals up close. One of Betty’s favorite memories was meeting Greg Norman. All who knew Betty recognized that family and home were everything to her. She provided the strongest example of love, unselfishness, and unconditional loyalty, which carried over to her faith. Rarely did she miss a Sunday attendance at their Methodist Church or, in recent years, Pawley’s Island Community Church. She knew God’s blessings, especially the joy of her twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Each received the ultimate encouragement from their Grandmom/Mimomma, who, with every word, communicated that she believed the best in them. Most of all, she inspired them with her personality — her strength, her spunky determination, and her fun-loving spirit. Betty was grateful for each chapter of her life. It was the perfect day when she could gather her family for Sunday brunch at Lakes at Litchfield, her retirement community. Earlier in December, she hosted family for brunch, danced to the piano music with her grandchildren, took photographs with her three children, and guessed the answers to televised Wheel of Fortune. Betty would tell you life doesn’t get better than this. Betty is survived by her three children, Debbie, Mark and David; daughters-in-law, Pat and Lisa; her grandchildren, Lindsay, Elizabeth, Amanda, Matthew, Keith (Bud), Meagan, David, Laurin, Noah, Sydney, and Chelsea; and her great-grandchildren, Georgia Rea and Clayton. We will all miss her positive, supportive presence but will be comforted by memories of her remarkable love and appreciation for family. A celebration of her life will be held at Pawley’s Island Community Church on Saturday, January 5th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825. Please designate on your check the Stephen Patrick Clayton School built in Mali, Africa in memory of Betty and Buck’s grandson. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Betty Cook Clayton

January 17, 1932 - December 22, 2018