On July 11, 2020, our sweet mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Mavis Greer Clayton, passed away after a short illness. She completed her life’s mission, returned to her Heavenly Father, and rejoined her beloved husband, Sutherland Whipple Clayton. In her nearly one hundred years of living, “Grandma Tigger”, as she was affectionately known, never faltered in her devotion to her family, church, or country. She fought a good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith.
Our mother was born on August 31, 1920 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Charles Paul Greer and Bessie Allred Greer. Her mother died unexpectedly when Mom was only five years old and so the heartbroken little family left Idaho. She and her younger brother, Paul A Greer, grew up in Union, raised by their beloved father, with the assistance of their cherished grandmother, loving aunts, and later by their stepmother. She attended Union Elementary, Union Junior High School, Jordan High School and LDS Business College.
On May 29, 1941, Mavis married Sutherland Whipple Clayton (Sub) in the Salt Lake Temple and they enjoyed a long and happy life together. From 1941 to 1978, Sub and Mavis made their home in Centerville, Utah where they raised their five children. They particularly enjoyed building and spending time at the family cabin in Lamb’s Canyon, and later, they bought and renovated a winter home in Washington, Utah. After their children were grown, they built a home on the Greer family property in Union, now Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Mavis loved living at Birchbrook on Greer Lane, with several of her children as neighbors. She also dearly loved her Union First Ward family and neighbors, and they viewed her as the matriarch of the ward.
As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mavis served throughout her lifetime in many capacities. She particularly enjoyed her many years as the Stake Young Women’s President in the Davis Stake. From 1979 to 1980, she and her husband served a full-time mission at the Hawaii Temple Visitors’ Center. She had a great interest in family history and temple work and shared that enthusiasm with her children. She also instilled a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in her children, teaching them by genuine devotion and humble example to be faithful and productive.
Mom loved living in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah and always appreciated the beauty of nature and being out of doors. She loved antiques, refinishing furniture, and was especially famous for her doll collection. She also had a lifetime passion for reading and instilled a great love of scholarship and education in her children. She loved learning about the arts and cultures of other peoples, and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. She was well-read and well-informed to the very end of her life.
Mavis was a loyal and supportive wife and helped her husband establish his nursery business, Western Garden Center, working many long hours at his side. She was generous with both her resources and time, and was actively involved in volunteer service to her community. Mom was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She also served for many years as a Pink Lady at South Davis Hospital, as a 4-H teacher, as an organizer and leader of the Literature, Music and Art Club in her community, and as a local election judge.
Mom loved life, and cherished her involvement in the lives of her family members and her many friends and neighbors, reaching out with unselfish concern for others. She was adventurous, patriotic, intelligent, energetic, honest, frugal, and industrious. Because of her ability to always look for the positive, and her empathetic nature, family and friends loved to spend time with her. Her wise advice always inspired her family: “Have an attitude of gratitude. Look for something beautiful every day. Leave a place better than you found it. Spend less than you make. Be kind to everyone. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
She will always be remembered for the hundreds of thoughtful birthday cards she sent. In her later years she knit over 600 hats which she donated to the Humanitarian Center.
Mavis is preceded in death by her husband, Sutherland, her parents, her brother, Paul A. Greer, and her great-grandson, Jacob Travis Anderson. She is survived by her children: Paul Douglas (Mary) Clayton of Salt Lake City, Christine (Russell) Tueller of Cottonwood Heights, Ann (John) Jackson of Salt Lake City, Lon Greer (Grace) Clayton, and Kathleen (Yves) Perrin of Cottonwood Heights; twenty-four beloved grandchildren, eighty-one great-grandchildren, and twenty-nine spouses of her descendants, whom she loved as much as her own progeny. She also leaves behind many friends who loved her dearly.
We are especially grateful for the incredible loving care offered by family members during the last years of her life. We also appreciate the hospice staff and caregivers who provided much-needed support during the last few months.
We will miss you, Grandma Tigger, but we will always remember what you taught us and strive to honor your legacy.
Sister Tueller:
Leslie and I send our sympathy and condolences to you (and President Tueller) at the passing of your lovely mother.
Love,
Gerald and Leslie Rees
I was shocked and saddened to learn of your mother's passing. She was an elect lady who I was honored to call a friend. She was always a joy to be with. I send you, her family, my prayer for peace and comfort.
What a wonderful life and beautiful family she has. I will miss her great smile and sweet disposition every day. it was a pleasure talking to her and a privilege to be part of her caregivers group. Thank you for sharing the love in your family with me. I took more than I gave.
What a wonderful woman, and what a wonderful life. She remembered every birthday when I was her neighbor. So lucky to have known her. So sorry for your loss, I know you will miss her. Much love, Dan & Karen Johnson
Oh Chris. As I looked at this picture of your mother in the newspaper the other day, the first thing I thought was, "Oh, what a sweet woman". Then I read her obituary, which confirmed that thought! Of course her loving heart and life of kindness would show in her countenance. I remember you introducing her to me in the Celestial room of the Temple on day, and she left the same impression with me then. No wonder you are such a sweet and kind person as well. Like Mother, like daughter! We love you and Russ!
Dear Chris and Ann,
How blessed you have been to have your mom for so long. Her photo is darling, just like the two of you. The description of her in the obituary is a testament to your tender and kind hearts. You are both wonderful women--- so like your mother. I send my condolences to you and your families in this time of loss.
Ann, it’s been years since we first met at the U. of U. as Chi Omegas. I admired your kindness, humor, beauty, and bright spirit. You were a wonderful friend.
After Bill and I were married, we were blessed to move into the Butler Ward where we became friends with Chris and Russ. It was a wonderful time for young marrieds. We later moved to St. George and one winter, we met you at your folks darling refurbished pioneer home. Our common love of antiques was fun to share. We enjoyed your mother’s charming decorative touch as we toured the house your folks had restored in Washington. Your mother had created the “Enchanted Cottage.” Next, the Anderson family became close friends---and Travis married Trisha . . . so for over 50 years, our life paths have crossed on many happy occasions.
Knowing the two of you has been a blessing. I admire your generous hearts, quiet, unassuming nature, deep testimonies, beauty, and your gift of laughter. How fortunate you have been to have a mother who, through her example, taught you valuable life lessons. You are a tribute to her goodness and character. I treasure your friendship.
May Heavenly Father bless you and your families at this time of loss.
Love,
Candy Lish Fowler and Bill Fowler, St. George, Utah
Lon, I don't know if you knew this, but when you were about one or two years old, our ward had a ward party. Your mom was part of the entertainment. She put your high-chair on the stage, gave you a banana to keep you busy, and sang "Little Teddy Bear in a High-chair." She was always a giving and sharing person.
I have sweet memories of Sis. Clayton serving as a patron in the Draper Temple. She would come with her friend Sis. Tall, bringing a spirit of cheerfulness and love into our small area, where they would patiently and reverently wait their turns. Before leaving, Sis. Clayton would always thank us for serving in the temple so that she could come there. We all knew that on her way out she would stop and see if her daughter Christine was in her office. She radiated love to everyone. I am thankful I had the privilege of knowing her just a tiny bit.
Dear Clayton Family,
Our sincere condolences to all of the Clayton family from the Sheffield family. While we didn't know your dear mother, she must have been a real dynamo from what we have heard about her and what we know of two of her wonderful children -- Paul (and Mary) and Ann (and John) and their wonderful families. How true it is, "by their fruits you shall know them." We so admire both of your families. You have been an influence for good to so many.
We know you will miss her and are saddened to have her leave you; but we also know your knowledge that she is again with her beloved husband, your father, you are also rejoicing. What a great blessing!
Our love and fondest wishes to all of you at this time,
Sherman and Karma Rae Sheffield
Dear Clayton Family,
Our sincere condolences to all of the Clayton family from the Sheffield family. While we didn't know your dear mother, she must have been a real dynamo from what we have heard about her and what we know of two of her wonderful children -- Paul (and Mary) and Ann (and John) and their wonderful families. How true it is, "by their fruits you shall know them." We so admire both of your families. You have been an influence for good to so many.
We know you will miss her and are saddened to have her leave you; but we also know your knowledge that she is again with her beloved husband, your father, you are also rejoicing. What a great blessing!
Our love and fondest wishes to all of you at this time,
Sherman and Karma Rae Sheffield
Our condolences to Mavis' family and friends. She was proud of her pioneer ancestors. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, joining in 1953,67 years!
On behalf of the Centerville Literacy, Music and Arts Club, we wish to express our condolences to the Clayton Family.
Mavis was a permanent fixture in Centerville and her influence was far reaching. She was a past President of our club, and was loved and revered by all .
Our Club has donated 50.00 to the Witaker Museum of Centerville, as a tribute and memory to her influence and great leadership. She was loved by all the members of the club over the years.
I grew up in Centerville and Mavis was my YW President. All the Young Women loved her. She was beautiful inside and out. He example was of the upmost integrity.
Her daughter Ann was one of my good friends and I have memories of the cabin up Lambs Canyon. I also remember Chris who was a good friend to my sister Susan. The Browns and the Claytons were always good friends.
I wish I had Ann's address as I would love to send a sympathy letter to her on behalf of the Book Club as I am a member and in a leadership position.
Sincerely and with love,
Judy Brown Cella
Secretary/Treasurer
j-cella@msn.com
Hi Paul and Mary.........i have been meaning to write to say how well I remember Mavis in the Canyon., She was a bright spot on our list of neighbors and a good example (Book of Mormon reader, etc. ) to all of us. Those were great years which i cherish to this day. Marilyn and I hope you are all well. And, are grateful for the two of you taking the time to visit us here in Park City a while back. Mavis Clayton....a great life. Be well, Marilyn and Burton
