Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Barbara Claytor

01/20/1955 - 11/29/2024

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Obituary For Mrs. Barbara Claytor

Mrs. Barbara Claytor, born January 20, 1955, in Beckley, WV, at Appalachian Regional Miner’s Hospital, entered eternal rest on November 29, 2024.

Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Joe and Annie Tucker.

Barbara grew up in Beckley and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1973. She earned her associate’s degree from Beckley College and began a fulfilling career working at Beckley Telecable, Beckley Police Department, WJLS Radio Station, and Appalachian Power as a secretary. Later, she found her true calling in education, serving as a dedicated teacher’s aide at several schools, including Lincoln Elementary, Silvia Elementary, Stanford Elementary, Bradley Elementary, and ultimately retiring from Crescent Elementary.

Barbara, in 1974, married the love of her life, CW Claytor, in her childhood home. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service.

Barbara was also preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Carlton Sr. and Lula Claytor; sisters-in-law, Wanda Vaden and Mary Claytor; brother-in-law, Tommy Martin and two lifelong best friends, Mary Cox and Darlene Peck.

Barbara, in addition to her husband, leaves her son, Ken Claytor (Tabatha); daughter, Kandice (Donte) Dunkley; grandchildren, Hannah Claytor, Charity Claytor, Kenny Claytor, Nyla Dunkley, Noella Dunkley, Naomi Dunkley, and Niko Dunkley; sisters JoAnn Montgomery, Brenda Martin, Dreama (Rudy) Gray, and Crystal (Richard) Hairston; brother in-law, Gregory (Rosetta) Claytor; brother in-law, Bernard Vaden; uncle, Raymond (VI) Claytor; aunt, Carol Schoolfield; aunt, Gloria Fisher, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Barbara had an unwavering faith in Jesus, which was the foundation of her life. As a child, she attended Shiloh Baptist Church before transferring her membership to New Hope Baptist Church, where she faithfully served. Her passion for spreading the Gospel inspired her to organize countless bus trips, encouraging others to give their lives to Christ. She delighted in taking groups to see the powerful productions at Sight and Sound Theater in Pennsylvania, the dazzling Christmas lights in Gatlinburg, TN, and the Festival of Lights in Oglebay, WV.

Barbara’s love for family was unmatched. She founded the Tucker-Dobson family reunion in 1980, which continues as a cherished tradition. She also compiled a treasured family history book to preserve the legacy of her loved ones. Barbara loved the beach and organized numerous trips with family and friends, visiting every beach along the East Coast from Miami, FL, to Jones Beach, NY. Her adventurous spirit also led her to organize cruises and travel abroad, creating unforgettable memories with her loved ones.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion that will forever inspire her family and friends. Her life was a testament to the scripture: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Her kind heart and selfless spirit will be deeply missed, but her family finds comfort knowing she is now in the arms of her Savior.

Barbara’s impact on those who knew her is immeasurable, and her memory will be cherished until the day we are reunited with her in heaven.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St Beckley with Pastor Ken Claytor officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

12/10/2024

Ellen Hartsog

So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing . She was a wonderful, kind, person that I was glad to have known her. I worked with her at Lincoln Elementary. A lady with a heart of gold ! Ellen Hartsog
12/07/2024

Angella Dews-Rhodes

To the family of Barbara Claytor, our prayers are with you, heaven has truly gained another angel. The Dews-Rhodes family.
12/07/2024

Dorothy Wright-Reynolds

Such a wonderful childhood friend with a wonderful family. My family loved them all. Beautiful Barbara, a true woman of God! May comfort be given to all.
12/07/2024

Charlotte Hickman Paris

Sending prayers and condolences to the family of Mrs Barbara Tucker Claytor
12/07/2024

Charlotte Hickman Paris

Your beautiful smile and kind heart will be missed. The love you showed will be missed. I'm glad to have known you all my life and appreciate the life you lived. Forever loved never forgotten.
12/06/2024

Nessewee Delilah Baxter Schofield

Our deepest sympathies to the families of Barbara. Heaven has claimed one of her own Angels. Rest in eternal peace Barbara, your wonderful Sweet Spirit is already being missed. Delilah Baxter Schofield & Jocelyn Baxter Holloway
12/06/2024

Wilbert & Doris McCormick

To C W, children and family: Our hearts go out to you and your family in the loss of such a beautiful and wonderful person. We ask God to walk with each of you during this time. Please know that we are in prayer for you. Wilbert and Doris Boyden-McCormick
12/06/2024

Betty L. Fralin

Our sincere condolences to the family. Cousin Barbara was a beautiful lady inside and out. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Through text messages we followed her journey of illness. Her faith in God was very strong and she always took time to give Him praise for all blessings. Her kindness, strength, gentle spirit and unwavering love for her family, church and friends will always be remembered. Though her physical presence may be gone, her heavenly spirit lives on in our hearts, comforting us each day. She will be missed but never forgotten. Cousin Anna Shelton, Betty Fralin, Blanch Moose and Magdaline McBride-Bey
12/05/2024

Todd Porter

I will always believe that you were one of God's earthly angels!!! From soul to soul, I will always love you!!!
12/05/2024

Tina Greene

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the Claytor and Tucker families for your loss of such a sweet and gentle soul. Praying for peace and comfort for God loved her best. Tina Nelson Greene and family
12/05/2024

Sara Thomson Harrell

My sincere condolences to the family. Barbara and I were classmates in high school. She was such a sweet soul. I later met up with her again when my daughter attended Crescent. I know her presence will be greatly missed.
12/05/2024

Gail E. Brown

Condolences & Prayers to CW & Family, so sad hearing passing of your beloved Barbara. I met Barbara in 1995, at the Tucker Dobson Family Reunion, instantly I knew she had a beautiful warm Spirit, she always made sure I knew about the Family Reunions, so glad I was able purchase the Family Reunion Book, Rest in Paradise Beautiful Angel.
12/04/2024

Patty gray

Barbara was a beautiful person inside and out.loved going on bus trips with her.will be greatly missed
12/04/2024

Vaughnita P Solomon

When I saw it was hard to take. My prayers and condolences to the family. Barbara and I met at the Dobson reunion in Winston-Salem some years back. She and my brother Sandy Payne worked together on family history. She sent me an email a couple of years ago and said my brother wanted she and I to meet and get to know each other. Little did he know the blessing he gave to me and her. I had the honor of visiting her and CW in Beckley and what a joy that was. She knew so much about family, Dobson and Tucker. I followed her journey from that point thru emails we shared. She will definitely be missed. Vaughnita Payne Solomon
12/04/2024

Elaine Davis

My sincere condolences to the family. Barbara was a wonderful sweet and kind cousin. She was also a true lifetime friend! We shared many conversations and prayers about and to our Lord Jesus Christ. She will be missed, but I know I shall see her again in our forever home!! Cousin Elaine (Sawyers) Davis
12/04/2024

Larry and Judy Patterson and Family

To the Claytor and Tucker Family..We mourn with those who mourn ..we rejoice with those who rejoice. What a blessing to have such a beautiful family..such a wonderfully saved family as neighbors and friends. I think of the kindness, meekness and wisdom Mr.and Mrs Tucker extended to our young family as well as their beautiful daughters... what godly examples. All we knew was CW and Barbara together with their own beautiful family. We're soo grateful God let our paths cross in this life..you've added to the richness of it. ♥️🙏🏾😔
12/02/2024

ROLAND A DOBSON

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. It was time for out dearly beloved Barbara to ascend to her rightful place in heaven. God did not make a mistake. He knows all and He knew it was time for Barbara to enjoy complete fulfillment which can only be found in heaven. Our sincerest condolences to CW, Ken, Kandice, and the entire Tucker-Dobson Claytor families. We stand with you in your time of sorrow. God Bless you all always. To God be the glory: ROLAND & JOY DOBSON &FAMILY: Duke, Kate, Maddie, Alex and Mark. Virginia Beach, VA
12/02/2024

Terre Tunstalle

To the Claytor and Tucker Families, Barbara was a Light that will Still Shine Her light Works, Service she did, and Her Family...She will be missed but Never Forgotten. 🙏🏾❤️‍🩹
12/01/2024

Gray-Cartwright A Jean

To the Claytor/Tucker family. I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that god will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences. Jean Cartwright & Family
12/01/2024

Dorothy Wright-Reynolds

Barbara, my childhood friend! A very wonderful lady! This is UNBELIEVABLE. My deep condolences go to her whole family. May God strengthen all of you.
12/01/2024

William O. Ritchie Jr

Many years ago, Barbara shared with me her banana pudding recipe. I made it several times to rave reviews. I will try to upload the recipe that she gave me that is annotated in her own handwriting. RIP my dear cousin.
12/01/2024

Eddie & Kim Watts

Our sincere condolences and prayers to the Claytor family on the loss of their love one. Barbara will be truly missed by all. Rest in Peace.🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️
11/30/2024

Kathy Hairston

To the Claytor/Tucker family sorry for the loss of Mrs Barbara and may god bless you and my prayers go out to the entire family. Kathy Hairston& Family
11/30/2024

Elizabeth Settle-Zeigler

My sincere prayers and condolences to the Claytor/Tucker family! May God strengthen you during this difficult time! Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints!
11/30/2024

Clifford & Eileen

To the Claytor/Tucker family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers. Barbara and CW was a great joy to be around. May God continue to watch over the family. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

Tributes

Rhonda Burns sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Mrs. Barbara Claytor - 12/05/2024

Pastor Ken and Kandice, Sending my sincere condolences and lifting you up in prayer. - Rhonda Burns