A Pioneer, A Strong Advocate for Justice and Equality, A Quiet Warrior.

Attorney Theaoseus Theaboyd Clayton, Sr., called "TT" by his friends, Lawyer Clayton by his clients, Thea by his wife, Daddy by his children and Pops by his grandchildren, was born on October 2, 1930 to the late Addie and Monroe Clayton, Jr. on the family farm in Person County, North Carolina. He was called home on April 4, 2019. Theaoseus was one of seven children raised and nurtured in a loving and hardworking family with a sense of pride and achievement. His parents instilled in him the value of education and sent all seven children to college. Theaoseus was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, friend and advocate for justice.

Theaoseus received his early education in the Person County public school system. He earned a BA degree in General Science and Political Science from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte NC. At the beginning of his senior year, he met the love of his life, Eva McPherson who was an incoming freshman. His college career was interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army where he served his country as a Military Police officer. Later he was sent to Korea where he served as a Postal Supervisor. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Johnson C. Smith University and continued his courtship with Eva. They graduated together in 1955 and married in Augusta, GA on Christmas Eve.

Theaoseus earned his law degree from North Carolina Central University Law School in 1959 and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar. His legal career spanned more than 50 years beginning in Durham with The McKissick and Berry Law Firm. In 1961 he was invited to form the first integrated law firm in North Carolina, Gilliland and Clayton in Warrenton. Following the death of Attorney Gilliland, he practiced solo until 1966 when he formed a partnership with Frank W. Ballance, Jr. Clayton and Ballance practiced throughout Eastern North Carolina where there were very few Black attorneys. Their general practice covered virtually every area of the law, providing citizens with zealous representation while giving young Black lawyers an opportunity to start their career. The mentorship of Clayton and Ballance reached an entire generation of Black attorneys throughout North Carolina and served as a launching pad for the likes of Rev. Attorney James Smith and Congressman G. K. Butterfield. TT's son Theaoseus, Jr. also practiced with him for several years.

"TT" served as lead attorney in the largest civil rights case in America at its time. He successfully represented over 4,000 people in Sledge v. JP Stevens, an employment discrimination case that was litigated for over 20 years. He also served as General Counsel for the Soul City Project, a planned community supported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. This idea was first proposed in 1969 by Floyd McKissick, Sr. as an inclusive community that would be open to all races, providing jobs, housing, education and recreational activities all within its borders. During the 1980s he was a part of the birth of the Environmental Justice Movement by defending protestors of the PCB dump in Warren County. God blessed "TT" to be an active member of his community, serving his state and nation with distinction for more than 50 years. He was a member of the North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees, a life member of the NAACP, a founding member of the Charles Williamson Bar Association, an Elder at Cotton Memorial Presbyterian Church in Henderson, and a lifelong supporter of his alma mater, Johnson C. Smith University. He traveled the world with beloved Eva. He loved to entertain family and friends at his home on Lake Gaston. He loved playing cards and was an avid sports fan, an annual attendee of the CIAA basketball tournament. He also loved cheering Tiger, Venus and Serena to victory with a glass of Kendall-Jackson.

Theaoseus was preceded in death by his parents Addie Thomas and Monroe Clayton Jr. and his six siblings: Dr. Dewey M. Clayton, Wilma C. Bryant, Thurman Clayton, Claytea Clayton, William H. Clayton, and Celestine C. Roberts. Left to carry on his legacy and cherish fond memories are his wife of 63 years, Eva; his children: Joanne (Winifred), Theaoseus Jr. (Debra), Martin (Yvette) and Reuben (Taffye); and his six grandchildren: Justin, Phillip, Julian, Eva, Monroe and Hailey, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

On April 10, 2019 at 6:00 PM, a Memorial Service will be held for Attorney Clayton at Boyd and Royster Funeral Service, 149 Holland Bland Road, Warrenton, NC 27589. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00PM by Reverend William H. Clayton, Jr. on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 222 Young Street, Henderson, NC 27536. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that contributions in his memory be made to Office of Institutional Advancement, Johnson C. Smith University, 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216. Please indicate that your contribution is for The Endowed Scholarship Fund – 1955.