Nancy Clayborn

Nancy Jane Clayborn, 68, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at her home in Newcastle. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Graham. Burial will follow in Newcastle Cemetery.

Nancy was born October 1, 1957 in Cleburne to Jack Edward and Patty Jane (Flinn) Rowland and raised in Godley with her sisters. She was Summa Cum Laude at Tarleton State University, with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in English. She began teaching in Graham post graduation. She met Ricky Clayborn at Tarleton and they married on December 21, 1984 in Graham. Nancy taught English in Graham and later Newcastle for 34 years and continued teaching in retirement at NCTC.

Nancy was a teacher at heart, guiding her students, Sunday school class, new teachers, and most of all her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, bird watching, gardening and nature, and life with Ricky hunting quail, raising bird dogs, rodeoing, and playing music. Nancy was an active member of the Methodist church her entire life. She served as lay leader for both Graham and Newcastle for several years and enjoyed volunteering her time with Graham FUMC during retirement. The highlight of her life in later years was spending her time with her 5 grandchildren, watching all of their activities from baseball to dance to school functions, and keeping them overnight for fun weekends of creek exploring, playing, and cooking.

Survivors include: husband, Ricky Clayborn of Newcastle; daughters, Katy Landoll and husband, Michael of Midland, Jennifer Atkins and Dillon Rankin of Graham, and Amy Caffey and husband, Josh of Lubbock; parents, Jack and Patty Rowland of Godley; sisters, Cindy Robinson and husband, Harry of Cleburne and Pat Ann Wilson and husband, Mark of Peaster; grandchildren, Emmalyn, Weston, and Hattie Atkins of Graham, Blaire and Beau Caffey of Lubbock; as well as beloved uncles and aunts, nephews, and nieces.

She was preceded in death by father-in-law, Lee Otis Clayborn; mother-in-law, Arvilla Clayborn; and son-in-law, Colt Atkins.

Visitation will be held Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Graham, TX.