Obituaries

Norfolk-Mary Lee (Ricks) Clayton was welcomed into Heaven on August 9, 2024 after living a life filled with acts of love, service, and fellowship. She boldly entered this world on June 15, 1944 as the daughter of Dorothy Hargrove and was an early resident of South Norfolk, Virginia.

Mary was a loving wife, an encouraging mother, an uplifting grandmother, and a cherished friend. She
was also a trailblazer and broke many glass ceilings working in a male-dominated field as a building
inspector for the cities of Norfolk, Newport News, and Chesapeake and as the lead building inspector
for the Ted Constant Convocation Center. After retirement, she continued sharing her expertise and
charisma by working as a substitute teacher and poll worker and volunteering in her community. Later
in life, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and she encouraged all
of her children and grandchildren to seek higher education and college degrees. As a member of
Chums, Incorporated and Delicados, Incorporated, she valued sisterhood and the pursuit of
excellence in service to her community and others. She lived her life marked with “boldness and
strength” and was a constant reminder to all that hard work pays off.

As she took her last breath and walked through the pearly gates, she was greeted by the welcoming
smiles and waves of her mother, Dorothy Hargrove; her husband, Eddie R. Clayton; her daughters, Kim
Clayton, Dana Lamb, and Dr. Darlene Harmon; her sister, Dorothy Parker; and her brother, Leroy Ricks,
Sr.
She leaves to carry on her legacy and to cherish her memory her son, Eddie R. Clayton, IV; her
grandchildren, Dr. Brandy Wicker (John), Deonte’ Lamb, Chanelle Lamb, and Eddie Johnson Clayton;
her great grandchildren, Naomi Lamb, Bella Wicker, Harper Wicker, Emery Wicker, and Levi Wicker; her
brother, Percel Ricks (Selma); her sister-in-law, Vanessa Ricks; her favorite uncle, Roland Ricks
(Rosalee); her daughter-in-law, Sharon Johnson Clayton; her son-in-law, Clifton Harmon, III; and a host
of family and friends.

Though the junkyard was her playground, the Heavenly streets of gold are her eternal resting place.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday; August 16, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Norfolk; 418 East Bute Street; Norfolk, VA 23510. Viewing will be 4-6pm Thursday; August 15, 2024 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1146 Rodgers Street; Chesapeake, VA 23324. Please continue to pray for the family.