Mary Clifton

Mary Frances Borchelt Clifton, 88, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in a Fort Worth hospital.

She was born Aug. 20, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, to William G. and Frances Taylor Borchelt. Growing up in Cape Girardeau, she graduated from Central High School in 1943, and earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1949. Following graduation, she married F. Clay Clifton, a happy union that lasted over 65 years.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a true friend to many. As a wonderful mother, she dedicated her life to raising her family.

Everywhere she lived, church was an important part of her life. She served on numerous church committees and board positions, and was elected chairwoman of the board at Westside Christian Church in New Orleans. More recently, she was the CWF group leader for the Bluebonnet Circle at University Christian Church in Fort Worth. In addition to her church activities, she enjoyed sewing and reading.

Survivors include her spouse, Clay, of Fort Worth; three sons, William Clay Clifton (Sally Tomei) of Dallas and Bella Vista, Arkansas, Thomas Andrew Clifton (Adrianne Wurtz) of Midland, Texas, and Robert Steven Clifton (Marie Lindsay) of Hinsdale, Illinois; grandchildren, Thomas Andrew Clifton Jr., Katherine Mary Clifton, Martin Taylor Clifton, Clay Matthew Clifton, Carson Paul Clifton, Caroline Lindsay Clifton and Claire Michelle Clifton; a cousin, James Kinsolving Hill and wife Elaine of Menlo Park, California; and a nephew, Michael S. Clifton and wife Kathy of Colleyville, Texas.

A celebration of life was May 30 at Greenwood Chapel in Fort Worth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bridge Breast Network in Dallas, as Mary Frances was a cancer survivor 50 years; or the Children's Closet at University Christian Church in Fort Worth.