Mrs. Lois Guthrie Clayton, age 88, of the Grassy Ridge community of Pantego, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, at UHS–Beaufort Hospital following a short illness.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Wilkinson Center of Belhaven officiated by Chris Noble and Russell Mann. Burial will follow at Belhaven Community Cemetery. Doug Alligood, Reggie Bishop, Keith Buck Radcliff, Todd Moore, Ben Johnson and Richard Dunbar will serve as pallbearers. Amy Johnson and her children, Griffin and Piper, will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Mrs. Clayton was born in Beaufort County on Jan. 1, 1923, daughter of the late Annie Elizabeth and Charlie Fenner Guthrie. On Feb. 17, 1945, she married Howard Edmon Clayton who preceded her in death on June 8, 1990. She was a mother and homemaker in the early years of her married life and worked at Farm Boys Restaurant for 30 years where she retired as owner and operator. Mrs. Clayton loved working with and serving all who entered their doors. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she attended faithfully for many years. She loved spending time with her family and was known as Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Clayton was known for her wonderful sense of humor and could bring a smile to any face.

Mrs. Clayton is survived by her children: Linda Flowers of Engelhard; Howard Edmon “Bud” Clayton Jr. and wife Cathy of Ponzer; Elaine Hudnell and husband Bill of Belhaven; Randy Clayton and wife Rita of Ponzer; Pam Price and husband Lanie of Pinetown; and special “other” son, Freddie Guthrie and wife Kathy of California; a brother, Tommy Guthrie and his friend Wanda Cutler of Winsteadville; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Clayton was preceded in death by a son, Barry Clayton, and a stepdaughter, Vonnie Dixon.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. tonight at Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven and other times at the home.

Flowers are accepted and memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 477 E. Main St., Belhaven, NC 27810.

Condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Clayton family.