Ida Belle Clayton

Ida Belle Moon Clayton, age 96, went peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at her place of residence, Brookdale Assisted Living in Gallatin, TN.   Belle, as she preferred to be called, was born in Madison, AL on February 20, 1927, as the youngest of 11 children.

 She graduated from New Hope High School and later moved to Chicago, IL, and then on to Tucson, AZ, where she didn’t know a soul! Craving adventure, she procured a job with the Chamber of Commerce and it became her responsibility to put on rodeos and local festivities that mirrored the culture of Tucson. She then returned to the Huntsville, AL area to care for her ailing mother.  While working at Redstone Arsenal, she met and married the love of her life Clarence Madison (C.M.) Clayton in 1957.  The two newlyweds decided to make Fayetteville, TN their home.  There, they had 2 children and led a life of travel and adventure, visiting all of the U.S. and many, many countries throughout the world.  C.M. And Belle even lived on an island in the middle of the South Pacific for several years, as well as residing in Germany for a few years.  

Belle loved and treasured her family, as well as her many friends.  In her latter years, she resided in two Brookdale Assisted Living facilities, first in Fayetteville, TN, and later in Gallatin, TN.  She loved both places and lovingly referred to them as “home.” She lived up to her name there, and was known as the Belle of the Ball, never meeting a stranger, and spreading her unique brand of sunshine and laughter to everyone in her path.  

Belle is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Clarence Madison Clayton; her mother, Lily Victoria Roark; her father, Benjamin Freeman Moon; her 6 brothers, Tindell, William Marion, Carter, Roark, Marlin Sherwood and Ben; and her 4 sisters, Anne Evelyn, Willa Riese, Lily Ben, and Thyra Naomi.  

She is survived by her son Scot M. Clayton (Cynthia) and her daughter Beth C. McCracken (Ed); grandchildren, Kathleen, Ryan, Natalia, Scotty Jr., Jackson, Ronnie and Mason; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  

Belle, lovingly known as Mimi, will be greatly missed and remembered with love.  Her wish for cremation was honored and a Celebration of Life gathering is planned for a future time.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to any Hospice organization

Arrangements Entrusted To: Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin. www.sumnerfuneral.com 615-452-9059..