Claytor, Eva Spencer

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Eva Spencer Claytor, 94 of Copper Hill, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at her home. Eva was the 11th of 12 children born to Green Lee and Mary Betty Spencer, in Patrick County.

During her early years, Eva discovered that teaching was something that she was “called to do,” and she left Patrick County at a young age to complete school in Kimball, West Virginia, where further education was offered for Black youth at the time. Subsequently, she graduated, with honors, from Bluefield State College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Eva returned to Patrick County to begin what became a lifelong career teaching the youth of both Patrick and Floyd Counties. Initially Eva taught in a one room school house in Patrick County, and later in a segregated high school for black youth. In 1950 she married William “Andrew” Claytor, who led her to Floyd County, where she fulfilled her dreams of teaching both at Harris Hart, prior to desegregation and later, in Floyd County Public Schools.

In the 1960’s, due to her commitment to youth, their education, and their future, and due to her commitment to being a life-long learner, Eva returned to Radford University where she attained a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ultimately, she retired from Check Elementary School in 1983, after 41 years of teaching.

Upon her retirement, she was an active member of the Floyd County Retired Teacher’s Association. Eva was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Floyd Courthouse Chapter, and she was also a dedicated and active member of Mount Zion Christian Church, where she served as a Deacon, until her health precluded her activities.

In addition to her parents, Eva is predeceased by her husband, William Andrew Claytor, and 11 siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Claytor of the home and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m.,Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Maberry Funeral Home, with Rev. Eugene Reynolds and Rev. Kevin McNeil officiating. Interment will follow at Restvale Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service, at Maberry Funeral Home Chapel.