TRIBUTE TO MR. THOMAS EARL CLAYTON

On 2026-04-21, Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO MR. THOMAS EARL CLAYTON" in the House.

TRIBUTE TO MR. THOMAS EARL CLAYTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E347] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO MR. THOMAS EARL CLAYTON ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Thomas Earl Clayton who passed away on April 8, 2026, just one month shy of his 89th birthday. Mr. Clayton was born on May 9, 1937, in the town of Montrose, Mississippi. Tom spent his early years growing up on a farm between Montrose and Raleigh, under the guidance of his grandmother, Mattie Tatum, where he learned the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience. At around sixteen, Tom relocated to Joliet, Illinois, to live with his father, embarking upon a new chapter in his life. From there he enlisted into the United States Air Force where he proudly served for four years. He returned home, got himself a GED, enrolled in Kennedy King College, and earned a degree in nursing. The rest is history. In 1991, he united in Holy Matrimony with Cerra Lang Taylor Smith, and, together, they built a strong partnership which has lasted for almost fifty-five years. He joined Metropolitan Baptist Church under the leadership of his father-in-law, Reverend Jessie Taylor, and, in 1986, was a Charter Member of the Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church where he has served faithfully in several leadership roles, Chairman of the Deacon Board and of the Joint Board. It has been my personal joy to know of Mr. Clayton's great life, wonderful works, and just how much he, his family, and church connections have meant to our community. I thank Mr. Clayton and now may he rest in peace. ____________________