Kayla Clayton-10-21-2023

Loving Daughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin, Auntie, Friend, Counselor, Educator, Journalist, Tutor, Soulmate, Sunshine, VSU Trojan, Volunteer and beloved Child of God.

The life, love and legacy of Kayla Felice Clayton began on Wednesday, May 13, 1992, in Long Branch, NJ, with her dad, William Benjamin “Benji” Green, Sr., and mum, Michelle Doughty. Kayla was blessed to be reared in a loving household by her late Grandma, Dorothy Jean Epps, and her Adoptive Mom and favorite Auntie, Lisa Randolph.

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in the comfort of her home in Rockville, MD, Kayla departed this life and entered a life of eternal peace. She fought a good fight; she kept the faith and is now resting with the Almighty.

Kayla attended Long Branch High School (LBHS) and was a member of the Cheerleading Squad. She wrote these fond memories about LBHS. “I had one of the most unified high school experiences I could have ever asked for. From passionate teachers and staff and to lifelong friendships. I could only hope the best for everybody that I crossed paths within the hallways of LBHS. -Green Wave Pride Forever!

After graduating from Long Branch High School in 2011, Kayla pursued her dreams and enrolled as a freshman at Virginia State University (VSU), in Petersburg, VA. While at VSU, in addition to making lifelong friends, Kayla excelled in her academic studies and participated in numerous school activities and programs. She received a full scholarship to participate in an International Study Abroad Program in Botswana, Africa to research adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes health care (mental, physical and emotional). In May 2016, Kayla graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. It was also at VSU, Land of Troy, where she met the love of her life, her partner and pumpkin, Samuel M. Kelly. Hail State! Hail State!

Kayla’s career journey included employment as an HR and Operations Specialist at BookNook, youth counselor and special education teacher at Sheppard Pratt Health System and Teacher at Prince George's County Public Schools. Kayla always maintained a job or two, while studying to obtain her Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at The Chicago School with a projected graduation date of May 2024.

Kayla’s passion included moonlighting as a writer, journalist, blogger and You Tuber. She journaled about life, health and wellness, her medical struggles, finances, travel, relationships, family and friends. Kayla has left so many priceless stories, You Tube videos, and fond memories and resources to last a lifetime. Links for Kayla’s resources:  https:// linktree/HerRoughDrafts;  https://kcdemilo.blogspot.com.

Kayla’s favorite things included Talking, Talking, and Talking. She loved uplifting others, fashions, interior design, traveling, Beyonce (#1 fan), Harry Potter, The Gilmore Girls and did we mention Talking. She always made friends and recorded her thoughts. In spite of her health challenges, Kayla always volunteered in her community, and she was very active with the VSU Alumni Association Prince George’s County (MD) Chapter. Where she served as an integral member of the chapter and Co-Chair of the Education and Student Services Committee. She was a Loyal Daughter to VSU. #TrojanLove

Kayla recommitted her life to Christ as her Savior at Macedonia Baptist Church right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Kayla was a pillar to many. She was so full of life, even on the days it was hard for her to speak. She loved hard and expected nothing in return. She was a sweet, sweet spirit that will be missed tremendously by her family and friends.

Left to cherish Kayla’s precious memories is her village: Father, William Green Sr., Mother, Michelle Doughty (Rod), and her Adoptive Mom and favorite Auntie, Lisa Randolph; Loving siblings: William Green Jr, Shayla Aleice Green, Gabrielle Benah Green, Caleb Dakotah Green, Kyana Willis and Maurice Willis, Jr.; Her precious four-month-old niece: Khlöe Alana Haynes; Devoted God Mother: Ramona Thorne and cherished cousin Kent Jones. Along with doting Aunts: Cheryl Randolph, and Marilyn Randolph; Treasured Uncles: Bill Randolph and James B. Towner, Jr., and many loving cousins. Kayla was the loving partner to Samuel M. Kelly, and the beautiful Sunshine and Daughter-in-Love, to the Kelly Family, (Stanley, Sinthea, and Stanley II). Along with the best group of friends a person could only imagine.

To honor Kayla’s legacy, individuals may contribute to the

Kayla F. Clayton’2016 Endowed Scholarship Fund

established at Virginia State University. Please use the link below:

https://giving.vsu.edu/s/1939/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1939&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063

Please designate In the area for someone special: Kayla F. Clayton’16.

Additionally, you can donate via check/money order,

payable to Virginia State University and mail to:

Virginia State University

PO Box 9027

ATTN:  Anneliesa Dobson Finch

Petersburg, VA 23806

Memo Line:  Attention Kayla F. Clayton Endowment