Published on June 3, 2025 6:24 am
Last Updated on June 3, 2025 6:27 am
Paula J. Clayton, age 72, of Flora, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at Cisne Rehab and Healthcare in Cisne, Illinois.
She was born January 4, 1953, in Flora, Illinois, to Max and Janet Taylor. Paula graduated from Flora Township High School in 1971, and she graduated from Olney Central College with an Associate’s degree in accounting and computing in 1973. She married Gerald “Nick” Nichols on December 21, 1976, and he preceded her in death. She later married Michael Clayton on October 29, 1997, and he preceded her in death in 2013. She worked at the Flora Bakery and Electric store as a bookkeeper after high school. She hauled explosives in an 18 wheeler, owned Nick Nichols painting and dry wall, and worked at Nutrena Feed and Southwire. Paula was baptized at the First Christian Church in Flora.
Paula loved reading, cooking, and trying new recipes. She learned a love of canning from her mother and Mike, and she enjoyed sharing those vegetables with her friends. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching professional tennis. Paula loved animals, especially dogs, and she loved every dog she ever had.
Paula is survived by her brother: Robert (Phyllis) Taylor of Charlestown, Indiana; 3 nephews: Jeff (Christi) Crocker of Williston, FL, Jon (Lisa) Crocker of Clermont, FL, Chris (Amy) Taylor of Pylesville, MD; 1 niece: Annette (Keith) Titzer of Charlestown, IN; several grand nephews and nieces; a great grand nephew, many cousins, including Kris Parrent of Fairfield, IL who was like a sister to her; bonus family: Hayley and Jasper Kohn of Louisville, IL,; and her beloved dog: Buddy.
She was preceded in death by her 1st husband: Gerald “Nick” Nichols; 2nd husband: Michael Clayton; parents: Max and Janet Taylor; maternal grandparents: Ross and Edythe Brown; paternal grandparents: Roy and Leila Taylor; and sister: Glenadean Crocker.
It was Paula’s wishes for no services to be held and cremation rites will be accorded with a private family inurnment at Bestow Cemetery in Geff, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made on Paula’s memory to the Wayne County Humane Society of Fairfield, IL.
The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with Paula’s care and arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a story or memory of Paula, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.