Venita Faye Claxton, daughter of George Burgess and Mary Alice Benton Lawler, was born Dec. 25, 1925 at Competition. She departed this life, on Oct. 2, 2020, at Springfield Rehab in Springfield, at the age of 94 years, 9 months and 8 days. Venita married Melvin Warren Claxton on June 24, 1944 and he preceded her in death on Dec. 31, 2012. Also preceding her in death were her parents, two sons, Jerry and Brenton Claxton; two brothers, Sherman and Bill Lawler; and two sisters, Ima Cope and Joann Lemons. Venita is survived by her grandchildren, Michael Claxton, of Mountain Grove; Andréa VanEaton, of Marshfield; and Amanda Burzynski, of Springfield; great-grandchildren, Heidi and Dylan; two brothers, Farris Lawler, of Mountain Grove, and Dean Lawler, of Edwards; a sister, Karen Burney, of Mountain Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Venita was born and raised in Wright County; she has remained in Wright County all her life. She was a devoted Christian and dedicated a lot of her time to her church; Venita was a faithful member of New Home Baptist, she attended this church all her life. Some would say she was the matriarch of the church, the one that kept it together and going. Venita was the treasurer, secretary, janitor or just there to help with anything. Venita enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, baking and crocheting. She made many clothes, dresses and doll clothes for her family and all she considered family. Venita loved God, her community, but she especially loved her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. We celebrate her life and will always cherish all the memories made. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 at New Home Cemetery in Hartville with the Rev. Gary Massey. Holman-Howe Funeral Homes handled the arrangements.
