Everything happens for a reason. We may not see it now, but God will reveal it sooner or later in His time. Until he does, we must trust God.
Clayton Lamont Ashby entered eternal rest on February 4, 2025, at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. This was a trip of a lifetime to be reunited with his “Baby Girl” whom he missed deeply his mother, Marion “Pie” Ashby, his devoted and loving grandparents Forrest “Big Tree” and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Ashby, and the rest of his beloved family that was so joyfully waiting for him with open arms. Now, all are at peace in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Clayton was born on December 18, 1963, to Marion H. Ashby at the Historic Blayton Building on Scotland Street. Clayton was unique right from the start. He was born the first grandchild by birth but raised as the youngest sibling of his grandparents by choice. Clayton always had the best of both worlds, being just ten years younger than his youngest aunt.
Living on the corner of Scotland Street and Braxton Court, he attended First Baptist Church where he was baptized at an early age, and Wee Wisdom Kindergarten. He affectionately called the streets of Williamsburg “Home Team”. Around the age of 10 he moved to Washington D.C. and later moved to California. Upon returning from California, he fell in love with Williamsburg again and made it his home by staying with his grandparents. He was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County School System where he graduated from Lafayette High School in 1981. He furthered his education at Virginia Tech where he received a Degree in Political Science.
Clayton worked for numerous companies including James City County, Hampton Roads Transit, Hampton Roads Transit, and Washington DC Metro. After learning of his mom’s illness, he quickly returned to Williamsburg to care for his “Baby Girl.” His employment came full circle, as the last position he held was with James City County.
Clayton was truly a people person, political analyst, sports commentator, and human rights activist. He could hold a conversation with anyone. He was committed to making life better for everyone he encountered, especially the next generation. Clayton volunteered on several boards and committees, always with the goal of bettering the community. He did not mind sitting down and sharing his wisdom with the younger generation always pushing them to go further than he did. Whether it was a text or a “let me holla at you,” you always knew he cared and had your back.
Clayton was a sports advocate. He was a proud member of the Invaders Softball Team and the Cut Close Softball family. He was also a San Francisco 49ers’ forever fan.
To know Clayton was to love him. He was always a positive person and would try to encourage someone else. One of his inspirational quotes that kept him motivated was “Never reduce your life to what you are confronting right now, you are bigger than what you confront”.
You all have your own special memories of Clayton that will put a smile on your face in the mist of tears. He is now at peace. No more pain, no more sorrow, and no longer bound. His soul is resting; what a blessing. Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, he is FREE.
Clayton leaves a world of people to morn his earthly departure to include his aunts/siblings, Sara Linda Howard and B. Sharmaine Ellis (Pastor Ronald A. Ellis); uncle/brother Jan “Upper” E. Ashby; aunts-in-law, Gayle “Diane” Ashby and Ruth Ashby; great-aunt Mae Cook; adoptive grandmother Anna Hopkins; and a host of cousins, family, and friends.
