Martha "Rita" L. Clayborn

Martha "Rita" L. Clayborn, age 84, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 after a sudden illness while still in the hospital surrounded by her family.

Ms. Clayborn was finally reunited with the love of her life, Chester A. Clayborn, who passed in 2019, and Rita spent the last 4 years talking about how she couldn't wait to see him in heaven. Rita lived a long and happy life. She was born in Deerlodge, Tennessee to Clayton and Oma Graves. She was a very famous and successful hairdresser in Atlanta, GA and spent much time in the White House while Jimmy Carter was in office. She was well known throughout the United States and won many awards. After retirement, she moved to Pikeville, Tennessee with her husband where she loved to garden. Rita spent the last 3 years living in Georgia close to her 3 daughters where she continued to love gardening. 

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Fentress Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at Jennings Funeral Homes Chapel in Jamestown.

Rita is survived by her:
Children, Sheree Clayborn Cain and husband Johnny
               Keith Clayborn
               Terry Powell and husband Randy
               Teresa Ianniello
9 Grandchildren, Brittany, Adam, Helena, Mackenzie, Rita, Denver, Cody, Seth and Daniel
17 Great Grandchildren
2 Great Great Grandchildren
Brothers, J.C. Graves
               Lee Graves and wife Linda

She is preceded in death by her:
Husband, Chester A. Clayborn
Granddaughter, Jessica Arrendale
Father, Clayton Graves
Mother, Oma Estella (Kivett) Graves

Flowers are very welcome at the service but in lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to the American Cancer Society. Flowers or donations can be left at Jennings Funeral Homes.

Jennings Funeral Homes of Jamestown is in charge of services for Martha "Rita" L. Clayborn.

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