Virginia Applegate Clayton, age 68, of Spring Hill, Arkansas, died Saturday, May 22, 2021 at a Texarkana, Texas hospital, surrounded by family. 

She was born to Hilton and Lula Applegate on June 17, 1952 in Hempstead County. 

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bobby Clayton of Spring Hill, AR; 3 sons: Russell Clayton of Emmet, AR, Jamie Clayton and Jenee’ Clayton of Texarkana, TX, Brad and Ladale Clayton of Decatur, AR. 

Seven grandchildren, Hunter Clayton(Jessie), Alli Hamilton(Drew), Trace Clayton, Marci Clayton, Bryson Clayton, Paige Clayton and Jackson Clayton. 

One great grandchild, Archer Hamilton.

Siblings Jim Applegate, Jerry Applegate, Glenda Applegate and Delbert “Bubby” Applegate and many dear nieces and nephews. 

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Hilton and Lula Applegate and siblings: William Applegate, Wade Applegate, Frankie Applegate, Glen Applegate, Albert “Shorty” Applegate.

Virginia had a heart of gold. You could always find her going the extra mile to make someone else happy and create smiles. She served the Hope/Spring Hill community with her gifts of childcare, being a school bus driver and telephone company employee and a high school teacher of over 20 years, leading her into retirement. She and Bobby owned “ Clayton Brake and Muffler” in Hope, AR. 

Her passion was teaching high school English and Journalism at Spring Hill High School. Her students were near and dear to her heart. She adored classic literature and it showed in her teaching. 

She could often be found sewing, scrapbooking memories, or cooking/canning. She was the ultimate “boy mom“, doctoring cuts and scrapes and broken bones. She loved to spoil her grandkids! They were her life… Her pride and joy! Moments of perfection for her included a road trip with the local grandkids to see the other grandkids in Northwest Arkansas; getting pedicures or shopping for others. 

She just thought her heart was full and then she welcomed a great grandchild! She was also excited to soon be welcoming a second great grandchild, Huck, into the world later this year. 

Visitation will be Monday, May 24 6:00-8:00 pm; Service will be Tuesday, May 25 at 10 AM at Herndon Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas, with Charles Jones officiating. Graveside will follow at Memory Gardens in Hope, Arkansas.