Augustine Davis Clayton was born in Dallas, Texas on November 11, 1932 to August and

Bessie Griffin Davis, who preceded her in death. She was the third of six children born to

the loving couple.

Augustine attended Dallas public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School. She

worked at Texas Instruments before deciding on a career. She went on to become the first

in her family to graduate college, becoming a nurse. Dedicating her entire professional

career to nursing the sick in hospitals throughout Dallas County, she retired after 30

years of service.

During that time, Augustine fell in love again with her childhood sweetheart and

neighbor, E. L. Clayton. They were joined in wedded bliss in 1961, and maintained their

union until E. L.'s death in 2009. Augustine and E.L. were avid golfers and were among

the first of their friends to buy a vacation golfing timeshare at the White Bluffs Resort.

The couple was blessed with four children: Wanda Renaye Clayton Turner, Dallas,

Texas; Karen Joyce Davis Pittard, San Antonio, Texas; Gary Alan Davis, Dallas, Texas;

and Decia Karleen Clayton Terry, Dallas, Texas.

Augustine professed her belief in Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized.

Augustine was the spiritual rock and oracle of wisdom and common sense, guiding her

family in their early training at Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church. Sister Clayton was

steadfast in her faith – often at the church with her children Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and sometimes Saturday on special occasions. When

attendance was light, Pastors Fluellen and Hudson could always count on the

Davis/Clayton clan in the pews with their "Amen."

One thing Sister Clayton could not abide – Ebonics, and improper English! Augustine

was a stickler for correct English, diction, pronunciation, and grammar. To that end, she

attempted to sing in the Women's Mission Choir, but just could not bring herself to sing

"Ain't gon be a long time…" and "We's gonna be…" Alas, she decided it was best for

her to just support the choir from the pews.

From the pews she discovered a need for her nursing skills in aiding churchgoers who

were overcome with the Spirit and sometimes subsequent medical difficulties. Sister

Clayton established the Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church Nurses Guild, with the

participation of fellow nurses at the church. Emergency triage kits, smelling salts, 911

protocols were all innovative measures she put in place.

But when Sister Clayton was not at church, she did make time for several avocations. It

was such a treat when she found a simple treasure or unique keepsake for a nominal

price at a thrift shop or estate sale. She would exclaim, "Look at this – and can you

believe I only paid a dollar twenty-five!" She was proud of her thriftiness in finding a

bargain. And when it came to household appliances that broke down – she didn't call a

technician or repairman – Augustine repaired it herself! Self reliance, confidence, and

innovation came naturally to her. It was no surprise that she taught herself Spanish! She

saw the need to be able to communicate with her Latino hospital patients and was

sympathetic to their needs for reassurance. She shared her talent for language by

teaching her children and the neighborhood kids Spanish each summer. Years later, she

became an author and entrepreneur by launching her "Rebanada De La Pastel,

Oportunidad" business complete with booklets, graphics, and instructional tapes. Yes,

Augustine enjoyed helping others. In her later years Sis. Augustine Clayton continued

her good works through faithful membership with Xtreme Breakthrough Church. Always

studying the bible, giving unselfishly, and exemplifying a loving christian faith.

Augustine Clayton leaves to treasure her memory her sister, Bertha Mae Davis Brisby,

(Palmdale, California); and children Wanda (former spouse Gene), Karen (Chris), Gary

(Lola, former spouse Melody), Decia (Ronald); grandchildren Gene Turner, Chauntraie

Turner (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Brandon Turner, Danielle Pittard (San Antonio,

Texas), Joycelyn Pittard (Manhattan, New York), Quintan Davis, Xocilyn Davis, Julian

Terry, Jade Terry, Jordan Terry, Justin Terry; and a host of great-grandchildren, and

great-great grandchildren.