**Per the request of Ms. Dorothy Clayton, she asked anyone attending her funeral service to please wear a piece of clothing representing the most talked about, everyone's secretly favorite NFL team, America's Team…The Dallas Cowboys!!!**

Dorothy Irene Clayton, 71 of Canyon, formerly of Dalhart, peacefully passed away on October 21, 2023. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00am on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Drew Stegall, New Life Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Ms. Clayton will Lay in state from 8-10:00am on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Horizon Funeral Home.

Dorothy Clayton (LaFever), beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend joined Jesus on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Dorothy was born in Dalhart, TX, on September 9, 1952 to James and Faye LaFever. She grew up in Dalhart making friends at North Ward Elementary, Kella Hill Middle School, and Allen Finch Jr. High and made her lifelong friend, Bim Frazier, in the 1st grade.

She spent her early life as a homemaker raising her three children and pouring into them the values of kindness, honesty, hard work, and a love for Jesus. For several years she also served in hotel hospitality where she greeted guests from around the world. After her children were grown, she entered the second stage of her life and became everyone's Avon Lady, bringing with her door to door more than make-up and holiday products. She did not have customers, she had friends, and she brought to each of their door heartfelt conversations and whatever care they needed in the moment. After she could no longer manage the miles and car treks, she still ensured that each of those friends knew how much she cared about her cards, calls, and letters. There was nothing phony about Dorothy, she unapologetically let you know she loved you and would pray fervently for all the needs and trials of her friends.

Dorothy was the matriarch of her family. She had three children but also loved her 11 nieces and nephews as her own. Few titles were as dear to her as Grandma and GiGi, and she took great joy in singing, dancing, and reading to each child in her life, meticulously finding the just-perfect gifts for each of them to bring a smile to their faces. She brought to each gathering a contagious smile, a lighthearted humor, the most genuine hug, and sweet desserts. She loved her animals (including the neighborhood cats) and especially loved spending time with her family rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, whose fandom in the Texas Panhandle can largely be attributed to her legacy. In her final wishes, she wrote, "My family was my everything, I love you all dearly."

Quietly, and sometimes with only change in her pocket, she persistently gave to those in need. Dorothy was a supporter of animal rescues, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, local food banks, and anyone who looked like they needed a little something that day. May we all remember to share kindness and help to everyone we meet as Dorothy so often showed in action.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, James & Faye LaFever; her Brothers, Kenneth, Roy, & Carroll LaFever, Sisters, Debbie Moody, Sandra Thaxton, & Shirley Woodruff, and great-grandson, Blayn Franklin. She is survived by her partner, David Heaton, her children Melissa Franklin and spouse Robert of Canyon, TX, Everett Ewers, Jr. and spouse Roxene of Amarillo, TX, and Carolyn Baum and spouse David of Canyon, TX; 8 grandchildren, Jenn Day, Kelly Franklin, Jessie Franklin, Austin Ewers, Reno Ewers, Ashlyn Baum, Casey Baum, & Serenity Baum; 16 great-grandchildren, and longtime friends, Jerry Clayton and his mother Elisa Roe.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to donate in her honor to one of the types of charities she supported above.