Lillian Neefus Clayton
Lillian Neefus Clayton (Neefus) died peacefully on March 8, 2024, at age 98 in Westford, MA. Lillian was born in Newark, NJ, on October 7, 1925, to Lillian May (Horsburgh) and William Neefus. Wife of the late John Cooper Clayton. Lillian is survived by her daughters, Judy Cornell, Barb Clayton, and Elizabeth Clayton and grandchildren, Jack Whitehouse, Chris Shinopoulos, and Katie Shinopoulos.
Lillian and her younger brother, John DuBois Neefus, were the 10th generation of Nevius (later Neefus) in America, dating back to Johannes Nevius who arrived in New Amsterdam in 1651.
After graduating from the Vail-Deane School in Elizabeth, NJ, Lillian attended Maryland College for Women and Parsons School of Design in New York City. Lillian’s art talent and sense of design took her to work in advertising as a commercial artist in the late 1940s.
On May 10, 1952, Lillian married John (Jack) Clayton of Short Hills, NJ. Jack and Lillian lived in New Vernon, NJ, for 40 years where they raised their family.
Lillian loved to cook for family and friends. She enjoyed taking cooking classes and trying new recipes. Lillian continued her art interest in painting and developing her skills throughout her life. For many years, she was a volunteer with Morris Museum in Morristown, NJ. In the 1980s, Lillian and a friend enjoyed starting and running an antique shop.
After many ski trips, in 1982, Lillian and Jack bought a second home in Waitsfield, Vermont. Jack and his daughters enjoyed skiing at Mad River Glen. Jack and Lillian in their later years wintered in Florida. When Jack passed away in 2013, Lillian continued to live in Vermont and Florida with family visiting often. In her final years, Lillian moved to an assisted living residence in Massachusetts where she enjoyed an active social life.
A private family burial is planned for the spring in Vermont. Memorial donations can be made in Lillian’s name to: Mad River Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 305, Waitsfield, VT 05673.
