Carolyn Virginia Clayton

Carolyn Virginia “Ginger” Clayton, née Eakes, age 80, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi, the place she proudly called home.

Ginger was born on December 7, 1945, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Thomas Clifton Eakes and Virginia Irby. She was raised in Meridian, where she spent her childhood and young adult years. She attended Clarkdale High School and later Meridian Community College.

Ginger devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and took the greatest pride in her roles as a wife and mother. She was married to James Royal Clayton Sr., who preceded her in death. Together they raised two sons, James Royal Clayton Jr. (Tracy) and Robert Jason Clayton (Raegan).

She was the proud grandmother of Kristian Clayton, her grandson, and of Christina Clayton, Elizabeth Clayton, Natalie Clayton, and Mayrin Clayton, her granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her grandson Gregory Clayton. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Harmony Elizabeth Clayton.

Ginger was preceded in death by her siblings Margaret Baker and Glenn Eakes. She is survived by her brother Grover Eakes.

Ginger was kind, genuine, and truly salt of the earth. Though she grew up poor, she never saw herself that way. She always believed she was rich in the ways that mattered most. She needed little, wanted little, and found contentment in family, faith, and simple joys.

She was a devoted mother who always met the needs of her children and her husband, often placing others before herself. She was funny, easygoing, and deeply caring. Ginger loved to draw and paint, creating art quietly for herself and her family. She cherished Christian gospel music, singing and playing the piano, and filled her home with music and praise. Her faith in the Lord guided her life.

Ginger had a gentle way about her. She spoke to everyone, whether she knew them or not, asking about their day or offering a kind word. Those who knew her will remember her as a loyal friend and a gentle soul whose quiet goodness left a lasting impression.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, Mississippi. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with services immediately following. Burial will take place at Coalville Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Carolyn Virginia Clayton.