Terry Leigh Clayton, age 51, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Born on April 5, 1975 in Piedmont, Alabama, Terry Leigh lived a life marked by faith, service, laughter, and a deep love for children, family, and community.
For more than 27 years, Terry Leigh dedicated her career to serving students in the Tupelo Public Schools. Throughout her years in education, she served students at Church Street and Lawhon. She inspired generations of children through movement, wellness, and encouragement through physical education. As a Move to Learn Coach, Terry Leigh passionately trained and supported fellow educators in using movement to enhance student engagement and learning. She believed every child could thrive when learning was active, joyful, and meaningful. Her enthusiasm for healthy living extended beyond the school walls through her involvement in community wellness events, including helping organize the Tupelo Ripple Run for many years. Her commitment to excellence in education earned her numerous honors, including Teacher of the Year, Teacher of Distinction, and the prestigious Project Fit America All-Star Teacher Award.
Following her retirement from education, Terry Leigh continued serving the community she loved as Special Events Coordinator at Fleet Feet Tupelo. There she combined her passion for fitness, relationships, and service, helping create events and experiences that brought people together and encouraged healthy living.
An active member of Orchard Church in Tupelo and Orchard Northside in Guntown, Terry Leigh’s faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully served her church family and lived out her faith through kindness, generosity, and compassion. Her relationship with Christ guided her decisions, shaped her character, and gave her a heart for serving others.
Terry Leigh was known for her infectious laugh, her vibrant spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether she was teaching a child, encouraging a colleague, coaching a teacher, organizing an event, worshiping with her church family, or spending time with loved ones, Terry Leigh brought joy, energy, and authenticity wherever she went. She had a gift for connecting with people and making them feel seen, valued, and loved. She celebrated others wholeheartedly, offered encouragement freely, and faithfully walked alongside friends and family through life’s joys and challenges.
She is survived by her loving husband, Cory “Skip” Clayton; her children, Crosby Clayton and her fiancé, Aiden Travis, and Weston Clayton; mother, Teresa Cox; father, Jerry Sheffield; brother, Kevin Sheffield and his wife, Laura Sheffield; in-laws, Shelby and Bea Loague; brothers-in-law, Randy Clayton and his wife, Wanda, Jeff Loague and his wife, Valerie, and Randy Loague and his wife, Pam; sister-in-law, Zan Clayton; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, colleagues, former students, and church family members.
The family is especially grateful for the many friends, church members, and faithful prayer warriors who loved, encouraged, and supported Terry Leigh. Their kindness, prayers, and friendship were a blessing to her and to those who loved her.
Visitation will be at 11 a.m. until service time Friday, June 19, 2026, at The Orchard Tupelo.
Funeral services honoring Mrs. Terry Leigh Clayton will be at 1 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at The Orchard Tupelo with Bro. Bryan Collier officiating. A private family graveside will follow at Saltillo Cemetery. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the care of Terry Leigh’s arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Brian Bailey, Brandon Robison, Tim Wigginton, Jacob Beane, Brady Bruce, and Cooper McGee.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Terry Leigh’s life and legacy to Sanctuary Hospice House at P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.
To generations of students, she was Ms. Clayton. To her family and friends, Terry Leigh was a source of laughter, strength, encouragement, unwavering faith, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the children she inspired, the friendships she nurtured, and the faith she shared so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, the impact of her life will continue to be felt for generations to come. To all who knew her, Terry Leigh was unforgettable.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.
