Stefanie Metz Draper Clayton, 78, of Pine Bluff, went peacefully in her home on December 17, 2022, to be with the Lord.
She was born on November 29, 1944, in Senden, Germany to Stefan Metz and Ottilie Hauf Metz.
Born in a basement during a bombing raid, Stefanie was a sign of hope and resilience in the darkest of times. She carried on exemplifying these qualities throughout her life, always being a beacon of light for anyone that had the privilege to know her. She was firm and she was fierce. She was also gentle and she was gracious. A novel's worth of words could not begin to describe Stefanie and the impact that she has had on us all. Stefanie lived a full and loving life filled with laughter and warm embraces.
At the age of 16, she met Norman Draper who was serving in the U.S. Army. They went on to marry in June of 1961 in Senden, Stefanie's hometown. No stranger to adventure, Stefanie took the leap and moved to the United States with Norman in 1961. After acclimating to her new home, she and Norman had four children together. Stefanie and Norman would later divorce in June of 1979. Later, Stefanie met Wayne Clayton at their place of work. Stefanie and Wayne married in January of 1992. They shared a love for many activities, especially anything outdoors. During much of their time together, you would find them camping, fishing, and spending time with family.
Throughout her life, Stefanie achieved anything that she set her mind to. She knew few words of English when she arrived in the states, but this proved to be but a temporary issue. She was quick to teach herself English by watching her favorite show, "I Love Lucy", amongst other popular shows at the time. She carried on to learn how to read and write in English, once again teaching herself. Stefanie became a U.S. citizen in May of 1978-just one of her many accomplishments. Stefanie retired from International Paper after working as a Scale House Operator for many decades. She was dedicated to her career all the while prioritizing her family. She was a mother that could not be matched. She poured her love into her children and it overflowed.
Stefanie Metz Draper Clayton, better known as Oma, was and will always be revered as the pillar of her family. She will be remembered often and fondly. Anytime there is a game of canasta being played, a dove chocolate to eat, a snapdragon flower to admire, or a little indigo bird flying outside of a window, Oma will be there.
Stefanie was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Annamarie McHenry; her husbands; her sonin-law, Benny Valentine; stepson, Kirby Clayton; and a cherished friend whom she considered a sister, Mary Boultinghouse.
Stefanie is survived by her four children whom she loved dearly-Anita Valentine of Pine Bluff, Norman "Bubba" (Pam) Draper Jr. of Woodlawn, Stefan (Lynn) Draper of Sheridan, and Jeanie (Tom) Brown of Woodlawn; three stepchildren-Rick (Rose) Clayton of Crossett, Ben Clayton of Sparkman, and Melody Hogge of Huntington; seven amazingly wonderful grandchildren-Christopher "Chris" Casteel, Amanda Lem, Brent McKinstry, Baxter McKinstry, Zach Draper, Stefanie Valentine, and Sarah Bostian; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Stefanie will be held at Ralph Robinson & Son on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 6 p.m. ****