Mrs. Doris Jewell Claytor

Doris Jewell Byrd Claytor was the oldest child born to the late Myrtle Fowler Byrd and James Jasper Byrd on June 17, 1921, in Bessemer, Alabama. Her brother, Rev. Lawrence Byrd preceded her in death. After her divorce, Myrtle moved to Cleveland, Ohio, with her two young children. Doris attended the Cleveland Public Schools graduating 6th in her class, with honors, from old Central High School in January of 1940. While at Central High Doris met the love of her life, Elbert Claytor (deceased). They were married on July 30, 1943, and celebrated 61 years of marriage. To this union, two daughters were born, Pamela Cheryle (deceased) and Wanda Jeanne. Before the birth of her children, Doris was the manager of Groff’s Hosiery Company. Doris was a Homemaker and nurtured her daughters and later her grandchildren. She participated in the PTA holding several offices including being the first president of the PTA at George Washington Carver Elementary and worked in PTA throughout the schooling of her children and each grandchild. Doris accepted Christ at the age of ten under the pastorship of Rev. Marion Washington at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. She was an active member working under the leadership of Rev. Marion Washington, Rev. Milton E. Wilson, Rev. Blanton Harper, Jr., and the present pastor, Rev. Mark L. Johnson, Sr. She attended Sunday School, was the secretary of BTU (Baptist Training Union) for 17 years, sang in the Young People’s Choir, The Senior Choir, The Karoleers, and worked in the Missionary Society at the local and Sub-District level. Her greatest joy was serving as the Supervisor of the Sunshine (Children’s) Band for over 30 years. She was honored with a plaque and named Supervisor Emeritus. Doris was a founding member of the Chippewaiians, a club formed while she was in high school and remained active until the club disbanded a few years ago. She also was active in the East 49th Street Neighborhood Club and later the Walden Avenue Street Club. She and Elbert travelled to many places which included frequent visits to Canada. She gained a large Canadian family when she married Elbert. Doris was a member of the Thursday Night Bible Class until her health declined and enjoyed fellowshipping the last Wednesday of the month with the Home Bible Fellowship. Doris was an avid reader. She had a subscription with the Call and Post over 40 years and other magazines. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Doris loved decorating her house inside and out for every holiday and looking at the Christmas lights during December. She loved her family and looked forward to the Sunday Family Dinners. Doris made her transition to glory April 21, 2016, at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by her family. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Wanda, grandchildren, Tameka and Kevin Taylor, Dwayne Claytor, great-grandchildren, Andre Freeman, Kevin Taylor, Jr. Imani Claytor, Jawanza Claytor, Alex Claytor, and Aminah Taylor, Sister-in-law, Letha Byrd, Brother-in-law, Frank Burks, Cousins, Laura White, Catherine Williams, Kim Mayo-Bailey (Kevin), Nicoy Williams, Nicol Williams, and Ethan, Godchildren, Brenda and Robert Webster, Marlene and Dennis Black and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Doris Jewell Claytor

June 17, 1921 - April 21, 2016