Joan C. Clayton, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at her home in Newport News. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, but had been a Newport News resident for 62 years.
Joan graduated from Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky, with a degree in physical education. She was a P.E. Teacher at Denbigh High School, where she coached girls’ and boys’ tennis, girls’ field hockey, and other sports. She also worked at the ticket booth for the football games and ran the clock for the basketball, wrestling, and track & field events. She was a member of Hilton Christian Church.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John E. Carroll and Beatrice Holland, husband Kenneth L. Clayton, daughter Terri Lee Wheeler, and son-in-law Andrew R. Hughes. She is survived by her daughter, Susan C. Hughes; two grandchildren, Christopher Hughes and Matthew Hughes; four great-grandchildren, Gage, Aiden, Cullen, and Annabelle Hughes; sister, Peggy Roberts; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her grandchildren, who called her “Mawmaw.” Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 12:00 p.m., with burial following at Peninsula Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.
1 Comment
I was a student at Denbigh High School, and Coach Clayton was my field hockey coach. She was a wonderful teacher, coach, and mentor. I also had the pleasure of knowing her later in life as a dear friend at Hilton Christian Church. She was as dedicated in the work of the church as she had been in her career. My prayers go out to her family and friends. I’m so very sorry for your loss. God bless you, Coach.