Clayton Reginald De Sett

Obituary For Clayton Reginald De Sett

Clayton Reginald De Sett, affectionately known as “Reggie,” peacefully transitioned from this life on November 3, 2025, at his home in Stafford, Virginia. He was surrounded by the deep and abiding love of his devoted wife, Nora La Verne (Hodge) De Sett, who tenderly cared for him throughout his later years. The two shared an unbreakable bond and were set to celebrate 38 years of marriage this month — a partnership rooted in friendship, laughter, and unwavering faith.

Born on September 30, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, Reggie was the eldest of three children born to the late Clayton Lorenzo and Edna Juanita Carson De Sett. His upbringing was rooted in love, community, and spiritual faith. He grew up attending St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, a sacred space founded by his parents and grandparents—a lasting testament to his family’s vision, leadership, and devotion.

Reggie was educated in Akron’s public schools, attending Lane Elementary and Central-Hower High School, where he developed a lifelong love for sports and science. His academic and athletic pursuits led him to St. Augustine College, Central Michigan University, and ultimately Central State University, where he earned a degree in Biology. A natural leader and true team player, Reggie played football at all three institutions and proudly became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Xi Chapter, in 1961—embracing the fraternity’s guiding principles of Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind, which he exemplified throughout his life.

After being drafted into the U.S. Army, Reggie’s commitment to service continued in another form when he began a distinguished career at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. For over 30 years, he dedicated himself to groundbreaking work as a Biochemist in the Microbiology Research Department, contributing to advancements in military and public health science. His colleagues remember him not only for his intellect and precision, but also for his humor, mentorship, and team spirit—traits that extended beyond the laboratory.

Outside of work, Reggie brought his athletic energy to the field once again serving as a respected umpire in local softball leagues and playing on Walter Reed’s flag football team. He believed deeply in teamwork, fair play, and the joy of competition.

In 1987, Reggie married Nora LaVerne Hodge of Martinsville, Virginia, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and laughter. From Washington, D.C. to Woodbridge, and finally to Stafford, Virginia, their home was always a warm gathering place—filled with family, friends, and memories shared over good music, great food, and heartfelt conversation. Nora stood by his side with unwavering love and grace, caring for him selflessly and ensuring his days were filled with peace, dignity, and comfort.

Reggie was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Phillip E. DeSett (2005). He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Nora LaVerne, his sister Ouida De Sett Jones, and a family that carries his strength, humor, and kindness forward: nieces Lisa Ely (Rancho Dominguez, CA), Yvonne Loretta Ingram (High Point, NC), and Yolanda Michelle Adar (Netanyahu, Israel; husband Danny); nephews Kevin De Sett (wife Shaun) and Marques Ingram (Charlotte, NC); grandnieces Ozetta De Sett, Tonia De Sett (Alex Gaston), and Ayana De Sett; grandnephew Jamarre De Sett; and great-nephew Gavin Ingram (Charlotte, NC).

He also leaves a host of beloved family members from both his maternal and paternal sides, spanning generations in Akron, Ohio, and St. Philip’s, Barbados, as well as an extended family of lifelong friends—some who shared his early years in Ohio and others who became chosen family in Washington, D.C. and beyond. To know Reggie was to be welcomed with a smile, a story, and a sense of belonging. He loved sci-fi movies and astronomy and especially loved the soundtrack and movie Contact.

Reggie’s life was a living reflection of faith, intellect, and love—a life that blended science and soul, family and fraternity, humor and humility. His laughter, wisdom, and quiet strength will echo in every life he touched.

His family and friends celebrate his legacy with gratitude, knowing that his spirit—steady, kind, and full of life—will forever remain in their hearts.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for your prayers, love, and support during this time of loss. Your kind expressions of sympathy and acts of compassion will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation. Special thanks to Frankie and Barbara Williams, Anthony and Christy Taylor, Lisa Ely, and Emad Gentiva for their support to the De Sett family during Reggie’s illness.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Thursday November 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A graveside service followed by the interment will held at Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, Virginia, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.

Local arrangements provided by Hairston Funeral Home.