Rebecca (Wicker) Clayton

Rebecca Wicker Clayton, 94, of Raleigh, NC died May 11, 2026.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivie L. Clayton of Raleigh, her parents Alton Jesse Wicker and Minnie Bridges Wicker of Sanford, and her siblings Isaac Wicker, Jake Wicker, and Rachel Wicker Mason.   She was born and raised in the Deep River Community of Lee County, NC.

She was a 1954 graduate of Meredith College, had a short but beloved teaching career, and then centered her life around her family and the missions of Raleigh's First Baptist Church where she served in various capacities from nursery worker to deacon to trustee. The church's cultural exchange program with Japanese people was a special source of enjoyment.

Rebecca was a member of the N.C. Museum of Art where she was active for over 50 years, first as a docent and later as an information desk volunteer.  She also enjoyed her involvement with the Raleigh Fine Arts Society and the Sir Walter Cabinet.

Rebecca is survived by her daughter, Ellen Wicker Clayton of Wilmington, NC and son Lawrence Wicker Clayton (Jana) of Germantown, TN and grandchildren Mitch (Morgan) of Winston-Salem, NC and Katie of Germantown, TN; sister-in-law Kathleen Wicker of Raleigh, NC and six nieces and one nephew.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, May 17, at 2 PM at Flat Springs Baptist Church, 4148 Deep River Road, Sanford, NC 27330.  Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations:

The Bridges-Wicker-Clayton Endowment Fund at Meredith College, https://donor.meredith.edu/g/general-donation-form, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607-5298.  (The link is below)

NC Museum of Art, https://visit.ncartmuseum.org/donate/q/clayton, 4630 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. (The link is below)

First Baptist Church of Raleigh, 99 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.

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