LINDA M . CLAYTON
70 , Lauderdale Semi-retired , Ralph Morgan Rodeo Advertiser
Clayton ’ s nominator :
“ Mrs . Clayton has been heavily invested in the Lauderdale Community all her life ; she truly is a servant leader within Lauderdale County . When she is called upon with the community to lend a helping hand or to volunteer , Mrs . Clayton does it willingly and with a smile . She loves Lauderdale County and is invested in strengthening the community ’ s youth to becoming great leaders within our community .”
Civic , social and / or church affiliations : Lauderdale Community Development Club , President ; leader of Lauderdale 4-H Club ; member of Mission Team at Gateway Church . member of cooking teams at Gateway Church ,; member of WinGS ( Women in God ’ s Service ); member of Lauderdale Garden Club and 50 + Club ; Lifetime Member of the Mississippi 4-H Leaders .
Origins of spirit of altruism : I have always been led to help others beginning with Vacation Bible School at church and then forming a 4-H Club for the 5-8 year old 4-Hers 43 years ago — The Eager Beaver 4-H Club . After two years , I was a co-leader of the Lauderdale 4-H Club until Mrs . Sallie Gray retired and became the club ’ s leader .
Share an aspect of a volunteer experience that you ’ ve really enjoyed . I have seen a lot of young boys and girls through 4-H and watched them grow and build their confidence to make their lives better , learning to help their community and world as well to become great citizens over the United States . 4-H is one of the greatest assets that not enough people know about .
Community ’ s greatest assets : I think our community ’ s greatest asset is everyone ’ s desire to make there life and their community better , and not downgrade . We live in a great country that is wonderful with problems , but we need to strive on the positive and work together to build things up . We need to start with teaching our children pride , the love of God and the Bible . Confidence and kindness is a great place to begin .
Favorite motto or quote ? My favorite mottos are from 4-H : “ To learn by doing ” and “ To make the best better ” This should be an example for everyone ; to continue to strive to improve yourself and your surroundings .
Linda Clayton and her husband Cliff have been married 49 1 / 2 years and have three children — Angie Smith , Trey Clayton and Misty McNeil — and five grandchildren .
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