Shelby Brooks Clayton

Shelby Brooks Clayton, 88, a cherished member of her community, who departed this life on Friday, October 17, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 12, 1936, in Alamance County, Shelby lived a life filled with warmth, commitment, and endless devotion to the people and activities that brought her joy.

She began her professional journey as a steadfast employee with Cone Mills and Roses Department Store, but it was her calling as a waitress that truly defined her later years. For 37 long years, Shelby served delectable meals and heartfelt conversation at Kamal's and then at Harrison's. She graced tables with her presence until her 80th birthday—a testament to her unwavering dedication and her love for connecting with those around her. Her simple, yet profound joy in serving others infused life into every meal she presented, every smile she shared, and every story she told.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elon, Shelby was deeply rooted in her faith and engaged actively in numerous church committees, expressing an unwavering love for her church family. Her spiritual home was a beacon of support, community, and purpose throughout the many seasons of her life.

Shelby was not only known for her dedicated service but also for her delightful passions. She found exhilaration in the gentle tides of the beach, relished fishing off the pier, and delighted her family with her cooking skills. Indeed, time spent with her loved ones was her greatest treasure.

She leaves behind her devoted children, Deborah Lynne McQueen, Tina Marie Melvin and her husband Ronnie, Donald "Donnie" Dixon and his wife Colette, Joyce Fangman and her husband Don, Jill Rene Dunn and her husband, Tony, and Currie Wayne Clayton, Jr.; her adorable nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; her sisters whom she had a strong bond with, Sandra LaMontagne and her husband Art, Susan Lester and her husband Bob, and Vickie Miller and her husband Lambert; her brother, Mickey Brooks; and several nieces and nephews; and her ever-faithful canine companion, Panda who brought joy and companionship to her later years.

Shelby has now been reunited with her parents, Silas Lacy Brooks and Etta Susan Poteat Brooks, her first husband, Robert Donald Dixon, and her devoted husband of thirty years, Currie Wayne Clayton, Sr., who passed away in 2003; her brothers, Curtis Brooks and Bill Brooks; and her canine companion, Zoe.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Hospice nurses and staff for all their loving care and compassion that was shown to their mother and to their family during her illness.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Shelby will be held at 11:00am Friday, October 24, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elon by Bishop Brandon Stanford, with the burial to follow at Haw River Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm Thursday at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the residence.

Memorials may be made to AuthoraCare, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215. You may send condolences online to the family at www.lowefuneralhome.com