Stephanie Chanel Claytor, was born August 24, 1983 at OSU Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio at just 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb 3 oz. The Doctors gave little hope that she would survive, But God!
Stephanie continued to thrive meeting all milestones throughout her childhood. At the tender age of 13 Stephanie became visualy impared after total loss of sight. While the adults in Stephanies life found this stumbling block hard to deal with, Stephanie on the other hand went on with her life as if nothing had changed. Never question or having a woe is me attitude. In fact, after learning this news, Stephanie went home, went to the garage, got on her bike and rode down the street.
Stephanie continued to excel and was a graduate of The Ohio State School for the Blind. While there she was a member of the Track team, Swim Club, Cheerleader and Forensic team. Stephanie furthered her education and received a degree in Early Childhood Development.
In her adult life, Stephanie lived an independent life and maintained her own household, beginning at age 18. She was a member of various groups and organizations. Some of these include; Womens Professional Group, Dress for Success, Big Brother-Big Sister, National Federation of the Blind (where she served as treasurer), The Diva Movement, and Envision Proven Success where she was also featured in the first edition of their magazine.
Stephanie loved to work and pay her own way. She was a very hard worker, often times holding two jobs at a time. Most recently she was employed with Teleperformance, The OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Camp. Because of her love for children she also taught at numerous daycare facilities. Stephanies love of travel kept her on the go. Sometimes she was solo for vacations and other times she was with her blood family, church family or with various organizations.
Stephanie, at age 7 accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Personal Saviour and was baptized at Love Zion Missionary Baptist Church-Columbus, Ohio, where she remained a member for many years. Stephanie later united with First Church of God where she served on the Hospitality Ministry and Day Care Ministry.
On October 17, 2017 with family by her side, God looked around his garden and chose a rose who was our beloved Stephanie. Although we will miss her, we take joy in knowing that she is now with her heavenly father.
Stephanie leaves to cherish her memory; Mother, Edna M. Claytor; Father, Earnest (Linda) Magby; Brother, Ryan Magby; Maternal Grandmother, Frances Claytor (Willard) Holland; Aunts, Donzella (Dean) Bailey, Darlene Chatman, Deanna Grimes, Peggy Selman, Barbara Kirk and Sheila (Norman) Towns. Special friend Paul Teti. Cousins raised as siblings, Edward Claytor and Tawanna Claytor. God-Mother, Debbie Hughley. A host of other Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Tuesday October 24, 2017 at First Church of God 3480 Refugee Rd. Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.
I am so sorry. Words cannot express the loss. We will miss her smile and willingness to step up to volunteer for so many organizations that she believed in. Taken away too young, but to a far better place.
I am so sorry for your loss…i remember the big welcome i got from Stephanie when i first came to OSU almost 9 yrs ago. She always made me laugh and was full of encouragement. Heaven has just gain another Beautiful Angel.
Cuz, so sorry for your loss, my prayers and condolences goes out to the family of Stephanie Claytor, even thought she may be gone she will never be forgotten, may she RIP.
Condolence to the family ,And I pray for peace for the family God Bless.
Dear Edna,
I offer my sympathy and love to you and your family, in the loss of your daughter. God needed his Angel to spread her wings, and called her home.
s
My condolences goes to all my Claytor Family! I’m so sorry for our loss!May cousin Stephanie forever rest peacefully in Heaven!!
May God give you peace during this difficult time, praying for the Claytor family!
Sending love to Edna and family. I have always been inspired and in awe of Stephanie’s tenacity. I’ll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love always.
My deepest condolences go out to the family I am so sorry for your loss
When I read about the life of Stephanie, she did more in her few years on earth than most adults. She received her place in Heaven at a very early age and is now up close and personal with Our Lord and Savior. Know that you loved her, but God loved her best. She is with Him now, waiting on all of us.
Lean on each other and God will get your through.
Condolences to The entire Claytor family. May God grant you comfort and strength.
I want to say that I am sorry for your loss words can’t express how I feel words can’t express anything at this point but I do want you to know that Stephanie was very loved she had a wonderful sense of humor she was a good best friend to everyone she always spoke the truth and she always gave someone encouragement that they can make it so to my best friend it’s so hard to let you go I just want to pick up a phone and call you and hear you laugh or scene but I know that you were doing that and having so save a spot for me just not too soon I love you and enjoy your wings.
Don’t no where to start or begin Stephanie was more my sister than cousin. You will be missed so much I still feel like this is a dream and I haven’t woke up yet. I can hear u saying shut up Eddie. I’m speechless I Love u Stephanie see u soon
Auntie Edna it really saddened me when my mommy told me about Stephanie. I’m glad I got to meet her once. I thought she was beautiful and nice. I hate I won’t see her again. Madison
It hurts to know I can no longer call Stephanie Claytor I keep remembering the nights she would comfort me when I was at my lowest and visit my photo album to remind me of how God allowed her to be a big part of my life. I keep going over our last conversation the weekend before she went into the hospital. How she shared she just return from Flordia and the new technology for the blind, and our plans to share a hotel room at the NFB conference in November, not realizing God had another plan and allowed us one last time to share our feelings about life, community awareness about being vision-impaired, our relationship with family, friends, home health aides, transportation, living independently, men, God and our plans for the future.
Stephanie Claytor was my Rock, she was my go-to person for comfort and taught me that just because we are disabled we aren’t dysfunctional and it’s important to live our life to fullest. I am so grateful she would always include me in activities, resources, events, movies, social sites, and her birthday parties, our sleepovers, and how she would just come over to keep each other company. She taught me that being vision-impaired allows you to be bold so you can get over those lonely dark days/nights and whenever it seems to get me down she was there for me I wasn’t alone. I know God doesn’t make mistakes and it hurts., I’m missing her, I love her so much and it’s hard to know that the one person that I could relate to has gone home to be with the Lord. I thank God for allowing us that last day to vent about life and to be able to end our conversation saying to each other, ” I love you” My prayers for Edna and family. RIH my dearest friend
To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say… but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.” It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too… that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.” And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind; I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free, remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me. Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
You and your family are in our prayers. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Stephanie was a lovely, wonderful young woman. It’s such a tragedy that she’s gone so early. Condolence from the Holland Family.
Edna,
Only God can know what you are feeling in your heart now, and only He can restore your spirit. God is with you and will take care of you. We are praying without ceasing for strength for you and your family. We also want to extend our support. We will check in on you very soon.
Love and Peace.
I was blessed to have met Stephanie when I would visit Telepreformance. She was always in a good mood and so very pleasant. Stephanie is home and is happy. She can see and is watching over her family. I pray for the family at this difficult time.
To Ms Claytor and family of Stephane. I send you my love an condolences, Stephen an I were room mates for two years. Going to first Church of Gods women’s get away. I really enjoyed being her roommate. She was. Very independent and had a good heart. To the family a sone that comes to mine is God will take care of you. We all loved stephenie but God loved her best. Rest In Peace my sister. Do to recent surgery, I want be able to attend. Know I am praying for you. Love you Sandy Gwynn. (My number is 614-446-4694
I met Stephanie through the Professional Women’s Group and it was always a delight to sit near her in our meeting and listen to her comments. May God bless her family with peace, unity, strength, comfort and everlasting love. Stephanie left a strong legacy. Keep it alive.
God bless you all doing this sad time,although Stephanie was taken away to soon she seem to have had a beautiful life,she will be missed.I love you all
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you celebrate Stephanie’s life. May God comfort and give you strength.
I am so sorry Edna for your tremendous loss! I was trying to make it to the service, but I am unable. You and your family have my love, sympathy and condolences today and hereafter. I am so sorry again my friend.
To the family of Stephanie, you have my deepest sympathy in your loss. She was a fighter, and I was hoping she would fight her way out of her sickness. Death is truly difficult for parents, especially when their child had their whole life ahead of them. Romans 6:7 says, “For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” Verse 23 of that same chapter says, “For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.”
She was a miracle and with us for too short a time – but God calls home first, those he loves the best. I only knew her briefly in PWG but she was very special. My condolences to the family but she is in heaven and at peace.
Thankful I had a chance to know her. Still can’t believe she’s gone. R.I.H. lady.
We the family of 1st Church Of God will miss you greatly♡ take your rest…we’ll see you in the morning!♡
My deepest sympathies come out to your family. Stephanie was an amazing woman. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
So sorry for your loss. You have my condolences. May God comfort your family.
Edna and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Remembering you in prayer. I can only imagine what Stephanie saw when she reached the gates of glory. Oh what a wonderful sight. God bless you
Thoughts of care and warm memories at this time of your loss.
I did not know Stephanie, and only learned of her passing through Michael Greenman. He spoke of her many generous qualities and of her participation in the Care and Share Time Bank community.
After hearing so many wonderful things of her life–both through Michael and now through the beautiful words of her obituary and those who knew and loved her–I felt moved to say how thankful I am to have learned something about her and her life. I am sorry to have never met her. It is very clear that her life was lived in joy and with God in her heart.
Love and condolences.
Laurel Durrett
“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
My sincere condolences to the Claytor family and those who knew and loved Stephanie on the loss of your dear loved one. May these words of Revelation 21:4 from our Heavenly Father Jehovah (Psalm 83:18) give you a measure of comfort and strength to endure during this time of grief and deep sorrow.
The Bible promises at Acts 24:15 of a resurrection, and John 5:28,29 gives us real hope of being reunited with our dead loved ones.
For answers to life’s big questions such as: Will suffering ever end? And, Can the dead really live again? The answer is yes! Visit jw.org
Wishing you peace and comfort.