Ellen Speer Clayton

Ellen Speer Clayton, 72, of Indianola, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 27, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.

Ellen was born September 30, 1951, in Greenwood, to William Clarence Speer, Jr. and Mary Hayes Speer. She was a graduate of Indianola High School, class of 1969. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women. Ellen worked as the elementary school librarian at Indianola Academy for 20 years prior to her retirement. She loved working with children and her favorite part of being a librarian was dressing up as book characters and the annual book fair. Ellen was an active member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Indianola. She served as the President of the Mississippi Episcopal Church Women.

Ellen fell in love with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and devoted years to this ministry as a catechist, assisting young children in growing their relationship with God. Known for her artistic ability, Ellen created numerous hand painted gifts for newborn babies with their names meticulously drawn in precious animal letters. Her love for family and friends often incorporated her passion of time spent in her favorite place, Fairhope, Alabama.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, James Herman Clayton. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two daughters, Mary Margaret Clayton Adams (Jonathan) of Augusta, Georgia, and Rebecca Clayton Barrier (Frederick) of Indianola; son, James Benjamin Clayton (Nicole) of Olive Branch; eight grandchildren, John Clayton Adams, James Porter Adams, Sarah Tucker Barrier, Frederick Williams Barrier, Jr., Benjamin Hayes Barrier, Mattie Lucille Clayton, Stella Grace Clayton and Mary Ellen Eliza Clayton. She was their “YaYa”, and they were the joy of her life. Ellen is also survived by her brother, Michael Sheppard Speer (Mark Goldstein) of Washington, D.C.; sister-in law Crystal Clayton Strickland (Larry) of York, Alabama, and her two special caregivers, Vircy Johnson and Kathy Scott both of Indianola. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Indianola. A reception will follow from 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM at The B.B. King Museum in Indianola. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Eddie Donahoe, The South Sunflower County Hospital and Grace Hospice for their loving support and special care of Ellen in recent weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1004 Indianola, MS 38751.