Obituary of Martha Applegate Clayton

Martha "Jane" Applegate Clayton, 96, of Freehold Township passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Applewood Estates, Freehold. She was a lifelong resident of Freehold. Jane was a loving wife to her high school sweetheart, John "Jack" Clayton, whom she married on June 6, 1948. She dedicated over three decades of her life to serving as a secretary for the Freehold Township School System. Starting at West Freehold School and retiring from Clifton T. Barkalow School, Jane's hard work and dedication made a lasting impact on the students and staff she interacted with. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jane was also a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Freehold. She served in various roles within the church, including as a choir member, teaching assistant in the nursery, member of the church flower committee and married couples club. Jane was also a long-time volunteer at CentraState Medical Center and an active member of the Women's Christian Connection. Outside of her work and church commitments, Jane enjoyed spending time with her family. Jane's warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to her community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jane is predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, John "Jack" Clayton. She is survived by her four children, John Jay Clayton of Manalapan, Dennis J. Clayton and his wife, Linda of Tinton Falls, Darlene Hoffman and her husband, Ralph of Freehold Township and Sharon L. Clayton of Freehold Township; and four grandchildren, Keith Hoffman, Alison J. Hoffman-Douglas and her husband, Matt, Steven Clayton and Jeffrey Clayton.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 10:00 AM Funeral Service on Saturday June 1, 2024 at The First Baptist Church of Freehold, 81 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, 169 West Main Street, Freehold Township, NJ 07728. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Freehold Abiding Memorial Fund, 81 West Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com