Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Estella M. Claytor, formerly of Maybeury, WV was born on May 5, 1942 and transitioned on September 12, 2023 at the age of 81.

Estella graduated from Elkhorn High School.

Estella, known for her kindness and generosity, lived during a time when it took a village to raise a child which is why she is still called “Momma Stella” by so many today. She was always the consummate mother figure, making sure her children and the community’s children were fed, looked after, cared for, and when necessary, disciplined.

Estella married her late husband Pastor James A. Claytor and together they raised five God loving children. They moved the family to Fayetteville, WV to serve the Lord and the community as Elder and First Lady of the Gospel Lighthouse Church, before retiring years later and settling in Indian Trail, NC, where she dedicated her remaining wonderful life being a wife and mother to her children and grandchildren. Her hobbies in retirement were serving the Lord, her family, loving and spoiling her grandchildren.

Estella is preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Genella Hopson; husband, Elder James A. Claytor; brother, Russell McGinnis, and sister, Geraldine Martin.

Estella is survived by sister, Patricia Hairston; sons, Terry Manns (Helen), Ty Manns (Mia); daughters, Sondra Brooker (Fiancé, Kirk), Latonja Williams, and Ursurla Claytor; grandchildren, Tre Williams, USMC 1LT Delone Manns, Jordyn Manns, Army 2LT Matthew Manns, Natalya Claytor, Jasha Brooker, Tristan Claytor, Robert Malveaux, Danesha Carelock, Brandon Hall, Brandon Henry (Nicole), and Justin Henry (Selma) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 1200PM Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Gospel Lighthouse 206 Washington St. Fayetteville, WV. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.

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

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.