Mrs. Carol Ann Orr Clayton, 62

Mrs. Carol Ann Orr Clayton, 62, of Etowah went home to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

Beloved by her colleagues and her many students, Mrs. Clayton began her career as a school bus driver for Etowah Elementary School in Henderson County. She also served as a bus driver and teacher's assistant for Estes Elementary School. Mrs. Clayton went on to earn a teaching degree from Mars Hill College and taught kindergarten at Avery's Creek Elementary School in Buncombe County for 7 years. As an alumni of West Henderson, she was very active with the high school Band Boosters, the Flying Falcons Marching Band, and the Concert Band.

Affectionately known by all of the students as "Grandma," Mrs. Clayton often drove the activity bus to band competitions and football games. She grew up with horses and won many ribbons showing with The Racking Horse Breeders Association. Above all, her favorite activity was spending time with her granddaughters, especially at the beach. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonya Lynette.

Mrs. Clayton is survived by her husband of 44 years, Harry Clayton, her parents, Marvin Orr and Marilyn McClain Orr of Etowah, sons; Craig Clayton and wife, Wanda of Hendersonville, Chris Clayton and wife, Mandy of Horse Shoe, brothers; Michael Orr and wife, Patsy of Cheraw, S.C., Robert Orr and wife, Kathy of Franklin and Milledgeville, Ga., her beloved granddaughters; Miranda, Maddie and Gracie Clayton, 4 aunts, 1 uncle, 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, at Etowah Baptist Church with The Rev. Brian Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Forest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Henderson High School Band Boosters Club, 3600 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.