Ann Parham Jones Clayton, born September 26, 1939, died on May 20, 2026 in her home in Benton, surrounded by family. Her death was a surprise to many, after a recent diagnosis of acute leukemia, which progressed rapidly during the final week of her life. She is greatly missed.

She is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Michael R. (Mike) Clayton, a retired Methodist minister whom she met during their last two years at Benton High School almost seventy years ago. In August, they would have celebrated their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary. Though she and Mike and their family served a number of congregations throughout Arkansas during his ministry, her heart always remained in Benton. When they retired in 2001, they returned home not just to Benton, but to the site of her childhood home, where she and Mike built a home of their own.

Ann was a person of many talents. She attended Hendrix College for two years and then transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she was inducted into The Mortar Board National College Honor Society, which honors college seniors with outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. After graduation, she became an elementary school teacher in Dallas, TX for the first few years of their marriage. In the following years, she channeled her energy into being a homemaker and mother with a fierce devotion to her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She loved the outdoors, most especially gardening and tending flowers, for which she had a particular flair for arranging. Those who knew her were aware of her sharp wit, wry smile, animated storytelling, and penchant for poetry. Behind the scenes during the bulk of Mike’s ministry, she was also a wise, thoughtful—and clever–sermon editor.

Of all the roles she played, however, perhaps her most relished was that of “Nana,” as it unleashed her bold, carefree side. Where grandchildren were involved, she was always ready for an adventure! “Nana stories” flood not only the content of scores of photographs but also the memories of the many hours spent on excursions large and small–whether on a special out-of-town trip to a Razorback game, a family cruise to Alaska, or an impromptu performance on the porch of the backyard playhouse.

In addition to her husband, Mike, Ann is survived by their daughter, Shelley Clayton Gentry and her husband, W. Brooks Gentry of Little Rock, and their daughter Beth Clayton and her wife, Patricia Racette, who reside primarily in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her life was changed forever by the 2008 death of their son and youngest child, John Michael Clayton, who also died from a form of leukemia diagnosed in his adulthood. She is also survived by their grandson, Clayton Brooks Gentry and his wife, Ellen Golackson Gentry of Brooklyn, New York, their granddaughter, Sterling Anne Gentry of Little Rock, and her brother, W. Wilson Jones of Little Rock.

There will be a private interment ceremony at New Rosemont Cemetery on Friday, May 29th, followed by an 11:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life Service at First United Methodist Church in Benton. A reception for all in attendance will follow. The family requests that memorials be directed to CJCohn, serving community needs in Saline County. Additionally, memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church in Benton or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com