Gertrude Theba Clayton, 87, of Watha and formerly of Greensboro passed peaceful from her earthly life to her eternal rest on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Pender Memorial Hospital.

She was born May 6, 1924 in Greensboro, the daughter of the late John Flavis and Jessie Busick Hackett. Also remembered is her husband, Ralph Julius Clayton; grandson, Brian Flavis Newton; and brother, J. F. Hackett, Jr. all who preceded Gertrude in death.

Mrs. Clayton is survived by her daughters, Joan Clayton Newton (Billy R.) of Watha, Linda C. Overman (Joseph Ray) of Bethany, and Judy C. Cottle (Jerry H.) of Hampstead; grandchildren, Wendy Tesauro, Lynn Ann Stewart, Ross Tremain Newton, Christopher Cottle, Holland Baltazar, Lauren Cottle, and Clayton Cottle; nine great grandchildren; sisters, Colleen Suddreth of Oak Ridge, Edna Lowe and Ellen Jobe both of Greensboro; sister-in-law, Lou Sadie Hackett of Greensboro and several nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was a member of Alamance Presbyterian Church. For 28 years she was employed with Burlington Industries, after which she began a second successful career as owner of Clayton Ceramics. Gertrude's first love and most important in her life were her Christian faith and her family. Late in life she discovered the Lord had blessed her with the gift of artistry; she became a noted artist in the Greensboro area. Gertrude will always be remembered as a true Southern lady with a beautiful smile, devotion to her family and a steadfast faith in the Lord.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2011 at Hillsdale Primitive Baptist Church, 1616 Scalesville Road in Summerfield with Pastor Arie van Eyk V officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 12 noon on Monday at the church until time of the service.

Casketbearers will be Tremain Newton, Christopher Cottle, Gerald Jobe, Charles Lowe, Clayton Cottle and Rick McBride.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 5, 2011 at Hillsdale Primitive Baptist Church, 1616 Scalesville Road in Summerfield with Pastor Arie van Eyk V officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 12 noon on Monday at the church until time of the service.