Muriel Banks (Tate) Clayton's Obituary
Muriel Banks (Tate) Clayton died on July 11, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Muriel was born on July 22, 1922 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Martin Lester and Muriel McDowell Clayton. Although born in Alabama, Muriel claimed that she was a true Texan because she was brought to Dallas by train at one week old.Muriel, along with her husband of 40 years, Gerald S. Tate, raised their five daughters in Richardson, Texas. Muriel managed Dr. Edgar A. Haynie’s medical practice in Richardson until retiring in 1986 and was the owner of Muriel’s Memories but her favorite occupation was that of mother, mentor, and friend.Muriel’s love and attendance of the Texas State Fair was documented in a 2013 article in the Dallas Morning News. Muriel and daughter Mary Smith are listed in the 2017 Guiness Book of World Records (page 79). Muriel was a painter, published author, florist, antique collector, pilot, world traveler, supporter of local theatre, and avid reader. Her sense of humor earned her the nickname “Witty” and that wit, along with her kind and caring heart, stayed with her until the day she died.Muriel was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Richardson and an active member of the North Dallas Area Women’s Club.Muriel is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved brother Martin Lester Clayton, Jr., and infant Laura Leita. Muriel is survived by children Mary and Robert Smith of Nevada, Texas; Gerrie McDowell of Nashville, Tennessee; Stephanie and Richard Easter of Mabank, Texas; Laura “Lollie” Tate and Merton Goldman of El Paso, Texas; Barbara and Bill Kuhlke of Richardson, Texas; sister-in-law Lee Dix Clayton of Franklin, Tennessee; grandchildren Randy Smith, Cheri Tarver, Traci Horton, Brian Smith, Kendra Tate, Will Kuhlke, and Ellie Kuhlke. Muriel is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren, twelve great-great-grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews and countless friends.A graveside service will be held in Dallas on Saturday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. at Restland. A celebration of Muriel’s life will be held that same day from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Prestonwood Country Club.
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