Carolyn A. Clayton


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Feb 3rd, 2013

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  • Death Date: Feb 3, 2013

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Biography: Carolyn A. Clayton, of Little Rock, died of sarcoma on Sunday, February 3, 2013. She was born February 20, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. Preceding her in death were her parents, USN (Ret.), Lt. Commander, Herbert W. and Margaret E. Clayton of Hazen, Arkansas and a granddaughter, Lauren Michelle Adams. Carolyn was a certified broadcaster for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Services. She co-hosted ?After Hours? at the AFRTS broadcast center in Okinawa, Japan. Her love of the arts led her to the Arkansas Arts Center where she served as registrar for the School of Art and Drama and performed musical comedy with the Arts Center Players theatre group. In 1969 she began a career in corporate public relations under the mentorship of Steve Stephens at National Investors Life Insurance Company, followed by four years as executive director, Pulaski County Unit of the American Cancer Society. In 1974 Carolyn moved to Prairie County to raise her family. Her community service work was highlighted by a musical comedy production benefit for the Prarie County Unit of the American Cancer Society. During this time, she studied journalism and creative writing at Phillips County Community College and from 1980 to 82 was editor of the Herald Publishing Company. She returned to Little Rock as jobs developer for at-risk youth with Stepping Stone, Inc., working with juvenile court systems developing community service work as alternative to juvenile incarceration. In 1985 she was community development coordinator for SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect). She was appointed by Governor Bill Clinton to the Governor?s Task Force on Child Abuse serving as legislative chair. She was named Director of Communications and Public Relations, St. Vincent Health System, Little Rock in 1996 where her responsibilities included creation of an effective program for meeting informational needs of employees and creation of program of public information relating to activities of St. Vincent. She also directed special events including ?Cancer Survivors Day? with Robert Urich; ?Women?s Heart Day? featuring Dr. Nancy Snyderman, 1994 Health Care Reform Conference featuring Paul Duke, Gloria Borger, Haynes Johnson, Dr.Atul Gawande, Dr. Drew Kumpuris and Bill Bowen. Program development included St.Vincent ?Shots for Tots? program featuring Betty Bumpers and serving as co-chair for St. Vincent?s centennial celebration. She became Executive Director of the Pulaski County Medical Society in 1999, a position she held until December of 2012 when she retired due to failing health. Carolyn published articles in national publications including ?A Collaborative Publication Saves Money, Enhances Communications,? Health Progress magazine, 1992; St. Vincent Employees Bring Aid to Tornado Victims,? Cathjolic Health World, 1998 and ?Say Good-bye to the Queen of Casseroles,? Active Age magazine; ?Heart Attack: A Physician?s Story,? Active Age magazine and ?Women and Stress,? Arkansas Gazette, 1991. She was a member of West Little Rock Rotary Club, past president, Our House; Arkansas Chapter, Arthritis Foundation Board; Graduate of Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class XIII; president, Arkansas Society for Hospital Marketing & Public Relations; American Society of Healthcare Marketing & Public Relations; Arkansas Society of Association Executives; American Association of Medical Society Executives. She received the Dr. John McCullough Smith and outstanding Rotarian Award and Distinguished Service Award, Rotary District 6150, United Way Distinguished Service Award and Dr. Martin Luther King Award for outstanding community service. Her family was her greatest joy. She also enjoyed traveling and considered a horseback riding trip to Ireland with her sister, Donna, the highlight of her European experiences. Survivors include a sister, Donna Clayton and husband, Bruce of West Palm Beach, Florida; children, Lt. Col (U.S. Army Ret.), Timothy Williams and wife, Sheryl of Bentonville; Christen Matthews, Clayton Lindsey and wife, Rebekah all of Little Rock; grandchildren, Mandy Kordsmeier and husband, Justin of Rogers, Michael Williams and Mitchell Williams of Bentonville, Evan Jacobs, Olivia Lindsey and Laila Lindsey all of Little Rock; great-grandchild, Mabry Kordsmeier, and nephews, Zakery and William. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. officiated by Rev. Dr. Joanna Seibert and Rev. Scott Walters followed by interment at DuValls Bluff Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. followed by a visitation/reception at St. Peter?s Episcopal Church in Tollville, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, St. Peter?s Episcopal Church, Rt. 1 Box 110-A, DeValls Bluff, AR 72041 or the Wolfe Street Foundation, P.O. Box 3708, Little Rock, AR 72203. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Condolences(22)
Cristen "Kiki" Matthews
#22
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I just felt the need to visit this site. Your birthday is fast approaching and life without you really blows. You are a wonderful light that still shines brightly, but my heart is so dark without you.
I love you Mom.
Lori Lisko Carpenter
#21
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Kiki, So sorry for the loss of your Mother. Being the hero she was to me and my parents through my young years, she was a great help in leading me in the right direction. A true inspiration. Praying for you and your family.
Judith Toll-Booher
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carolyn was truly my lifelong friend. Our fathers grew up together in Tollville. We were 5 days apart in age (ahem! She being my senior which I always kidded her about!) and we were both born in Los Angeles County, CA. Our families returned to Tollville, Arkansas in the same year (1948). We didn?t have to be in touch on a daily basis to sense one another?s presence. We understood, loved, and shared with one another all our lives.
God graced her being with a beauty, intelligence, and talent that few are given in such doses. That gift did not ?make? her successful; it merely provided the avenue. It was through her dedication, diligence, ?can do? attitude, and sheer hard work that successes came about during her lifetime.
Yes, Carolyn?s obituary was impressive; however, I knew her all her life and knew that everything was not only correct but an understatement, especially in relating how her efforts impacted others? lives.
Sometimes when God gives so much to an individual, that person not only has a greater responsibility to do something with it but, unfortunately, others who were not on the same level would make comments and display petty acts of jealousy. Carolyn sometimes suffered as a result of this, but she would always hold her head high and march on with dignity and grace.
Carolyn, you can never die with me and countless others. You have immortalized yourself through the positive impact that you have made with others. They, in turn, will make positive impacts on others and so your spirit and soul will remain alive on earth in this way.
Peggy Benton
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry for your loss Kiki, your are in my thoughts & prayers daily. I love you girl, and as you go thru these next few days that are going to be so difficult for you, lean on God & trust that Lauren is with her Grandmother singing in that Heavenly Choir with their beautiful voices. (Lauren just had to inherit it too). If you need anything, just call me, I will do my best to be there for you as you have always been for me. Praying for you, Love ya, Peggy
Mitzi Cafer Rogers
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
During the few years she and I spent together, I considered Carolyn a wonderful friend and inspiration. She literally saved my life more than a few times. I was able to call her last week and express to her my love and for that I am grateful to another friend, Mitzi Bonner. To Carolyn's family, I wish you peace and wonderful memories. I loved Carolyn.
Debbie VanHouten Beachler
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Mrs. Carolyn has always been such a beautiful, classy and extrememly intelligent lady, and it was wonderful knowing her, as well as her daughter Christen. She had a way of lighting up a room with her gorgeous smile and contagious laughter. May God Bless you and your family. Much love
Cousin Bobby Connell and Lisa Morgan
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I only met Carolyn a couple of times when I was very young, so I really didn't get to know her. I have gotten to know her through her Daughter my cousin Kiki. Kiki and I re-connected a few years ago, it was like we had known each other all of our lives. As family their home was and is always open and we visit yearly.

Our children are a reflection of ourselves. Good job Carolyn and may peace be with you as you fly on the wings of a dove.
Terry Snyder
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My friend, my Guardian Angel, Carolyn Clayton. This lady is the most inspiring person in my life. A sad trip to Arkansas to say "so long" for now. Her spirit will live on in me and many others. My love and appreciation are immeasurable. For all of you that know Carolyn, I am sure you understand. For those of you that did not cross paths with her, she lives on in everyone that knew her. Words will never convey....
Cristen Matthews
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Thank you everyone.
"Flip" & "Marie" Young
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so sorry we did not have the pleasure of knowing Carolyn, However we fell we have known her through her Beautiful daughter, (Known as Kiki) Kiki has been a friend of ours for several years, and is quite close with our own Daughter Michelle Doughty. Our thoughts and prayers are with the famoly during these very emotional times. Time is a wonderful healing process and
you must believe in that.
MIchelle Doughty
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am very sorry for the loss of such a beautiful woman. Kiki I am here for you anytime you want to talk, cry, or share stories about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Debbie Hudspeth
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carolyn you are part of our family and the operators and myself will miss you greatly.

Debbie Hudspeth
Amber Bagley
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carolyn was a favorite client at my law firm while she was ED at PCME. She was prepared, organized, and always on top of any issue -- and her desk was always so clean! She was also very funny and always quick to tell me a story about her family and how much she loved them! Having worked with her, I can attest that she had the respect of everyone around her. Her strong spirit and leadership will always be remembered.
Carmen Evans Sharpe
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carolyn and I became friends, when I was going through a divorce in Germantown/Memphis, TN, and was living with my grandparents, Cleo and Maggie Streight, in Hazen, Arkansas. She was So Lovely, So Kind and So Thoughtful to me. Thanks to Judy Toll, Carolyn and I got to speak with each other, again. Reading all of her accomplishments, I wasn't surprised, at her being such a hard worker and helping others. She blessed so many, many people by her Life and her Presence. We will all miss her terribly.
VirgeenHealey Healey
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Grateful and blessed to have Carolyn touch my life with her grace and wisdom. She will be greatly missed by many.
Robin Holt
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was blessed to know Carolyn for the past few years. She was a bright light and her presence would light up an entire room of people! Thank you for being you, Carolyn.....
Wanda "Mince" Scott
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was a Hazen High classmate of Carolyn until she moved away from Hazen, AR.

We had many deligtful times together during our hometown events. Spent many nights with her and her family in Tollville. Can remember what a beautiful singing voice she had and how she was always delighted to share her voice with any audience. She will now be able to join the most beautiful choir of the "Lord Jesus" and all his angels whom precede your departure. "God will hold you among the highest, for all your hard work and the benefits and fund raiser you promoted for the sick and unfortuate. God Bless
Dave Wilson
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Very inspirational and kind woman. It was so very warm becoming friends with her.
Don McGilvray
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
May the Lord hold you close, and grant you His eternal peace!
Pam Copeland
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dearest Carolyn ... an example to me. I thank you for our time together.
Tom Kelly
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Carolyn I loved to hear you tell stories of your life. So interesting and articulate. What a wonderful person. I will miss you very much. My deepest sympathy to your family. -tk
Derek Rudkin
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I did not know Carolyn very long, but what time I did spend with her, whether in person or by phone, I knew her as a wonderful person who was willing to help me in any way she could. She will be missed.

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