Amanda Clayton

Celebration of the Life of Amanda Bell Clayton




Amanda Bell Clayton (affectionately called Bell by family) was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 4, 1923 to the union of Clarence and Martha Upshaw. Amanda had a happy childhood and loved spending time w ith her two younger sisters, Helen and Louise. The sisters had great times exploring and playing with the o ther neighborhood children.

Amanda’s early years in school were new and exciting. One of her favorite subjects was Penmanship as she found using an inkwell quite fascinating . She later attended Central High School learning many homemaking skills there. These skills were also reinforced at home by her mother. Amanda graduated from Central High School in 1940.

In 1947, her skills were utilized when she married John Mitchell and became a homemaker. Three children were born to this union. Roger her eldest son (b.1947) and twins Gary and Shirley (b. 1950). The family would spend a few years in Ohio before relocating to California. Although Amanda missed her family terribly, she found the California weather more agreeable. California is where she would always make her home.

On January 12,1974, Amanda remarried Thurnell Clayton (Poppa). They lived happily residing in Lynwood, California for over twenty years. The couple went on many trips and monthly excursions with the Dollarhide Senior Center. Amanda took classes at the center learning many new techniques in sewing and crafting. An avid shopper, Amanda was always thrilled to find a bargain. She enjoyed buying non descriptive clothing and transforming the items through crafting. One of her favorite pastimes included making outfits for her grandchildren.

After decades in Southern California, the couple decided to relocate to Thurnell’s hometown of Stockton, California. Amanda made a seamless transition making many new friends and by joining The Evangelist Church of God in Christ. Thurnell and Amanda enjoyed the church services and social gatherings. They were very active in the church until Thurnell’s illness. On August 20, 2004, Thurnell went to be with the Lord. Amanda continued to live in Stockton for another four years.

In the Spring of 2008, Amanda began living with her daughter and granddaughter in Artesia, California. Returning to Southern California allowed her to reunite with family and friends. She loved spending time with them by going to the movies and various restaurants. Amanda also enjoyed watching her favorite movies on her DVD player. In her later years, she became a fan of many different genres of music and movies. However, her favorite genre had always been musicals. She loved the singing, dancing and beautiful costumes. Her favorite movies were Chicago, Shirley Temple films and The Twilight Saga. On January 29, 2018, Amanda was called home to be with the Lord. Preceding her death are: her parents

Clarence and Martha Upshaw, her son Gary Mitchell, her sisters Helen Jordan and Louise Tufts and her loving husband Thurnell Clayton (Poppa).

Left to honor her legacy are: her loving children, Roger Mitchell and Shirley Giles, her daughter-in-law Shirley Mitchell, son-in-law James Giles and stepdaughter Joann Frierson. She was a loving “Gram” to Tiffanni Giles, Chrystal Swanson, Sharron Mitchell and Reginald Mitchell. She was blessed to be a great grandmother to Leah Dykes and Lyric Jones. Amanda also leaves behind special nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends, including Curtis Young, Norma Jones, Lucia Guzman, Buena LeGrande and lifelong friend Marie Brown. Amanda’s lessons, life and love will continue to live on in all who knew her.