Dottie Clayton, May 9, 1946 - January 28, 2022

Dorothy Loraine (Wied) Clayton was born May 9, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas to Harvey and Gracy (Thompson) Wied. The oldest of four siblings, Dottie was a born student and educator, and loved spending time reading and learning, both on her own and with her siblings.

Dottie graduated as valedictorian from Somerset High School in Somerset, Texas. She was awarded an academic scholarship to Sam Houston State University, where she achieved her dream and earned a bachelor's degree in Education.

While at Sam Houston State University, Dottie met her future husband Jack Woodrow 'Woody' Clayton, and they married on September 3, 1966. Dottie and Woody had two children, Jeffrey and Laura, to whom Dottie passed on her love of reading and education, taking them to the library weekly to check out big brown paper bags full of books, playing school when they were young, and then homeschooling them when they were older.

Dottie taught elementary school in San Antonio and Houston, and in 2005 began teaching middle and high school science classes to homeschoolers in the Katy area. Dottie loved finding new and exciting experiments for her students, and held annual events, such as Mole Day and Snail Olympics, that her students looked forward to each year.

In addition to being a school teacher, Dottie faithfully taught Sunday School throughout the years, sharing her love of Jesus with others. Dottie truly embodied Jesus' words to "love your neighbor as yourself," and loved others deeply and with empathy. She unconditionally loved her family (both human and canine), friends, students, and even those she encountered in day-to-day life, always providing a sympathetic ear and support.

Dottie is survived by her husband, Woody Clayton, of Katy, Texas; children and children-in-law who she loved as her own, Jeffrey Clayton and Kristi Bonkowski of Kingwood, Texas, and Laura and William Tunningley of Stillwater, Oklahoma; siblings Graham and Esther Wied, Andy and Judy Wied, and Mary and Ray Arnold; nieces and nephews; and countless friends and former students.

Dottie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harvey and Gracy Wied, who assuredly were waiting at the pearly gates to welcome her into heaven, where she was told by God, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

There will be a funeral service for immediate family, with a Celebration of Life service to follow in the future (details to come).