Mr. Theodore Johnson Clayton Jr.

Life Reflections of Theodore Johnson Clayton

Theodore “Theo” Johnson Clayton became a citizen of the world in February of 1960 and a new member of the Heavenly Soul Train Line in June of 2025. His parents, Bessie Gray and Theodore Clayton, shared their blessing of a happy, smiling, music-loving child with anyone who crossed Theodore’s path; he met them as strangers and they parted as friends.

His Mom saw him as her mini-me, loving, laughing and making the best of any situation. Theodore created legacy through his sons Keon and Tory Clayton.

God and Theodore had a relationship. His Mom put God first in her household. She made sure that Wanda (deceased), Warren, Pamela (Ann) (deceased), Hubert (deceased), Sharon, Theodore and Andre were covered with the love of God and knew He was available to them if they sought Him. Theodore understood when he stayed with Uncle George, Aunt Arlene; his Father’s sister, and his cousins Brian, Lisa and April he was going to Church, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School if it was in session.

Making his way through the Baltimore City Public School System, Theodore was an adaptive person and a dreamer. In life, we sometimes struggle and have times where we are not our best, have dependencies and fractured relationships, Theodore was not immune. He worked hard to overcome; he sought programs and help to regain the trust of his family and a productive place in society. His mother stayed in constant prayer and encouraged him. When he completed his program and became an employee of the University of Maryland Medical Systems, they rejoiced and his siblings regained the brother they remembered and loved.

Theodore took his smiling disposition and infectious laughter to University whenever he reported for his shift. The highlight of his employment was to visit the helipad where Maryland’s best medical team received the most critically ill or injured persons. Unfortunately, approximately 25 years ago, Theodore suffered a traumatic accident and was the injured party that needed the skills of the medical team; he was one of their own. The team worked tirelessly to give Theodore a decent quality of life. His family rallied around him and his brother Warren stepped up, at Mom’s request, to be the most awesome caretaker. Theodore often remarked, “I don’t know where I would be without Warren.” The love and admiration that Theodore had for Warren was unmatched.

Routines and schedules became a major part of Theodore’s life. He loved to visit

Mondawmin, where in his early years he worked for a popular merchant. In his routine, he would get the bus, walk around Mondawmin, people watch, stop in Subway Sandwich Shop to eat his favorite meal and get the bus to return home. Alas, on June 30, 2025, “Home” took on a new meaning for Theodore. He had a reunion to attend with his siblings, Wanda, Pamela (Ann) and Hubert, his grandparents, his brother Jared and friends that had transitioned before him. To those of us here, celebrating his life, we hold in our hearts his smile, infectious laughter and love of music until we meet again, Theodore “Theo” Johnson Clayton.