Deborah “Debbie” Ann Schultz Clayton, 73, of Hamlet, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Jan. 7, 1953 in Richmond County, daughter of the late Stewart Orlando Schultz and Shirley Prevatte Stevens.
Debbie was a loving wife, mother, G’ma, sister, aunt, and friend. Known for her kindness and warm smile, she loved people. Her faith in Jesus was the center of her life and she shared her love of Christ with everyone.
Debbie loved her family from top to bottom and devoted her life to caring and providing for them. One of her greatest enjoyments was her ice cream, especially from Dairy Queen. Debbie also enjoyed sewing and making quilts. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Debbie was preceded in death by her father and his wife, Stewart Schultz (Brenda); mother and her husband, Shirley Stevens (Bob); and her son, John-David Clayton.
Left to cherish her memories are her loving and devoted husband of 53 years, Johnny Clayton of the home; son, Bryan-Michael Clayton of Fuquay-Varina; grandchildren, Miles Clayton, Daisy Clayton and Emmet Clayton; sisters, Myra Cobbler (David) and Sharon Shelley (Geoffrey), both of Rockingham; three nieces; one nephew; and several great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at 3 p.m., at First Assembly of God, 160 Clemmer Road, Rockingham, with Pastor Gene Alexander and Pastor Don Rollins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy. 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Clayton family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
