Rebecca Clayton Lea

Rebecca “Becky” Clayton Lea passed peacefully away with her family by her side on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Becky was one of the few people who is blessed to have a birthday that coincided with their homecoming into Heaven. She turned 68 years old Sunday.

Becky was born the second child and the only girl to Billy and Eunice Clayton on August 6, 1955, in Roxboro, NC. She attended school in Roxboro and graduated from Person High School in 1973. She married Arnold Lea in 1973 and they had their only child together, Christi Nicole Lea.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents Billy Clayton and Eunice Brooks Clayton; her brother Michael “Mike” Clayton; and her beloved dog Biscuit, who she took everywhere she went.

She is survived by her daughter Christi Lea Osborne (Todd); granddaughter Tinsley Osborne; brothers Larry “Bo” Clayton (Marissa) and Barry Clayton; and her lifelong friend Frankie Day.

Becky held many jobs during her life, but the ones she is most remembered for were working at 49 Seafood, later Outer Banks
Seafood Restaurant, and North Carolina Virginia Warranty Services. Anyone who knew Becky or worked with her knew that she had an incredible work ethic and completed every job with precision and detail. No one was going to outwork her, regardless of the task at hand.

She loved working in her yard, and had a great love for plants and flowers. She truly felt at home when she was mowing, pulling weeds, planting flowers or doing anything that allowed her to use her green thumb.

In the last few years of her life Becky found that she had an unknown love for travel and adventure. She ventured out in a 46 foot RV to more than 28 states that she had never visited before, taking in sights such as the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the Grand Teton mountains, the latter being her favorite of all.

Becky was also known for being strong-willed, or to some people, stubborn. That stubbornness and tenacity was one of her greatest strengths, and many people admired her determination and grit. It was this determination and fight that kept Becky alive during the last several years of her life as she bravely and valiantly fought pancreatic cancer for nearly two years.

Becky loved her family and friends. She was an incredible caregiver to many friends and family members as they suffered through sickness and disease, whether it was sitting by their bedside, cooking a meal, taking them to treatment or appointments, or running errands. She was extremely loyal and a help to so many people.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare or an organization that helps cancer patients and searches for cures for this disease.

Becky’s wishes were not to have a traditional funeral service, as she did not want any attention to herself. However, there will be a remembrance and celebration of her life at a date to be determined later, both in Roxboro, NC, and Wilmington, NC.

In the meantime, please join us in expressing your condolences and sharing your cherished memories on the “Tribute Wall”.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, located at 1535 South 14th Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. The funeral home can be reached at 910-791-9099.