Obituary of Joanne Bates-Clayton

Joanne Marie Bates-Clayton, 54, of Howell passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her own home, on January 15, 2011 surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joanne was a graduate of Jefferson Twp. High School, Class of 1974. She was a long standing employee with the United States Postal Service, most recently working in the Howell Post Office as a supervisor for many years. Joanne had a passion for her pet birds, cats, and the outdoors; she enjoyed feeding her pet squirrels and had a great love for all animals and wild life. Joanne often enjoyed going fishing with her husband on the reservoir She had a jovial sense of humor and the ability to make others laugh; a gift she carried with her throughout her battle. Joanne had the innate ability to find the good in life's surprises and misfortunes. She was a loving and compassionate person, who always thought of others before herself. Joanne will be deeply missed by many. She will always be remembered for her unconditional kindness and selflessness. Joanne was predeceased by her great nephew, Charles E. Sipley IV. She is survived by her husband, Raymond C. Clayton, Jr. of Howell; her step-daughter, Christina Bernstel of Point Pleasant; her parents, Bill and Josie Bates of Berkshire Valley, NJ; two sisters, Bonnie Mangan and her husband, Allan of Duncanville, TX, and Cathy Gibbs and her husband, Gary of Dundee, NY; five nieces, Melissa Sipley, Katie Gibbs, Brittany Gibbs, Shannon Gibbs and Ashley Gibbs all of upstate NY; her great nieces and great nephews, Patrick Sipley, Emma Sipley, Brayden Sipley , Sophia Sipley and Carlie Gibbs-Beattie, all of upstate NY; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. " I will travel empty-handed. There is not a single thing I have collected in my life that I would want to bring, except the love of those who loved me, and the warmth of those who cared. The happiness and memories and the magic that we shared" - Warren Hanson The family wishes to thank all of the Medical Assistant, Doctors, and Surgeons that touched her life at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Visiting at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524) Freehold Township on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with her funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Wall Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on memory Joanne may be made to either the American Cancer Society, C/O Pancreatic Cancer, 801 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 or to your local A.S.P.C.A.. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkshire Valley,, Jefferson Township at a later date to be announced. For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.