Clayton Heyward

Clayton Joseph Heyward, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 29, 1935, and transitioned from this life on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, in Seaford, Delaware. He was the 5th child of eight born to Beatrice Spencer and Julius Nathaniel Heyward. They all attended Emmanuel Christian Community Church. Clayton joined church at an early age under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Era Farrelle. Clayton later became a Sunday School teacher. He truly loved the Lord. A good Bible scholar, he often told the family that he wanted to be a preacher. He attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1953. After high school, he worked for a candy factory. In 1957, he joined the United States Air Force. During his tenure he was a cook and later became a chef. Clayton was also a member of the United States Air Force Boxing Team. He even got to spar with Sugar Ray Robinson. Of course, Sugar Ray won. His Air Force buddies called him “Squeaky Clean”. In 1958, he was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, but was actively a part of the Reserves until 1962. Family was very important to Clayton. He taught his children to love Jesus first. Clayton had many quotes that members of the family and community fondly remember. A few were: “Keep the peace”, “Somebody help me, but don’t stop me” and “Thank God for Jesus”. Even on his death bed, when his daughter thanked him for telling his children about Jesus, Clayton said, “Tell others”. He had a beautiful high tenor voice that won the hand and heart of Thelma Willette Odesia Camper. They married on March 27, 1959. The family quickly grew. He was a great weaver of stories, as many of you know, be it a story from his army days, a retelling of some adventure with his children, or nightly Bible readings with Oreo cookies, Clayton would have his audience spellbound. Just ask Clay about “The Fox Hole”. After many years of battling alcohol addiction, his faith and belief in God delivered him. He again lived up to the name “Squeaky Clean”. The Home of the Brave, a home for Veterans, in Milford, Delaware, also assisted in his recovery. He attended Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Seaford, Delaware. The last fifteen years of his life, Clayton was lovingly known as “Pops” or “Sugar Pop”. If you ever greeted him by saying, “Hey there old man”, Clayton would look around and say, “Where did he go?” He loved to share a laugh with family and friends. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Adolph, Julius, Milton, Wardell, and Roland Heyward; grandson, Montez Heyward; and son-in-law, Travis West. Leaving to mourn his loss is his wife, Thelma Heyward; his children, Clay Heyward, Roslyn Heyward, Dwayne Heyward, Thonia Waters (Oliver Waters) Pamela West, and Tamela Heyward; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Celestine Stokes and Ritha Porter; and a host of nieces, nephews, and a special nephew, Gary Heyward. He will be truly missed by all, but his teaching of loving Jesus first, will continue through those he touched and loved during his lifetime. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clayton Heyward, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Clayton Heyward

May 29, 1935 - July 21, 2018