Mrs. Evelena Richardson Clayborn received the gift of eternal life on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born on July 20, 1927 in Marion, South Carolina and relocated to Winston-Salem, NC as a young child.

Evelena was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church - Highland Avenue for 73 years. She was also a proud graduate of Atkins High School Class of 1944.

Though Evelena retired from R.J. Reynolds after nearly 45 years, she was most known for her service to the community. Most notably, she was the first ordained woman deacon at First Baptist Church & Forsyth County Deacon's Union and eventually went on to be their first female President. She served 31 years with Meals on Wheels. Evelena also held countless leadership positions in many organizations across the state.

Mrs. Evelena Clayborn was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Wells Clayborn, Sr.; and her 4 siblings.

She leaves behind her 2 loving children, Johnny Wells Clayborn, Jr. (Marie) and Dr. Valarie Clayborn Morrow (Nelson) of Chapel Hill, NC; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; a devoted sister-in-law, Dorothy Clayborn Allen; caring nieces & nephews; and countless close friends.

Family and friends will join to celebrate her life and legacy at 12noon on Friday, March 8, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.