Clintonia M. Walton-Saylor

Clintonia (Toni) Michele Walton-Saylor was born on August 2nd, 1962, the oldest of four children born to the late Cleveland Babe Walton, Sr. and Joyce Marie Harold Walton. Also known as "CBS" and "The Rock" of the Walton family, her warmth, generosity and love shined when you heard her melodious voice or when you saw her command as she took to the field as a High School Band Director! She was not only responsible for enhancing the lives of students through music education across the state of Virginia, she was responsible for teaching her brother to play the saxophone at the age of 13. Inspired by her band director at Manor High School, the Marching Mustangs, this began her desire to join the ranks of an exclusive club of female band directors. She has been celebrated with numerous accolades to include induction into Who's Who of America for her musicianship as well as many awards for band honors and accomplishments. Husband and Children On September 9,1983 Clintonia married the love of her life Vernon Eugene Saylor. From this union two children, her oldest, son Colby Walton Saylor (Areli) and her youngest son Cameron James Saylor. Both of these young men were so loved by their mother. Education Clintonia, a 1980 graduate of Manor High School, where she matriculated to Norfolk State University. While a student at NSU she was a member of the "Sextets”under the leadership of her mentor, the late Dr. Georgia Ryder and a member of the incomparable Spartan Legions under the tutelage of Mr. Emery L. Fears, director of bands. After completing her studies in 1985 from NSU, Clintonia was hired as the Middle and High School Band Director with Prince Edward County High School, Farmville, Virginia. She resided in Chesterfield County, Virginia for several years. Upon returning to Hampton Roads she was hired as the Director of Bands at Woodrow Wilson High School under the leadership of Mr. Lindell Wallace. She has taught on all levels of music education for Portsmouth Public Schools where she was currently the General Music Teacher at Victory Elementary. Her love for the arts took her to many different venues from instrumental performance on her clarinet to stage, participating in leading roles in local plays. During the summers, with her sons and nephew on stage acting, Clintonia could be found in the pit playing her clarinet, during performances with SEVAA, South Eastern Virginia Arts Association. Membership Clintonia was initiated into the Farmville Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Music Educators National Conference, Portsmouth Educators Association and National Educators Association. Faith Clintonia, a member of Grove Church, was led there by her sons, who played in the band. During her early years she along with her family belonged to the United House of Prayer for All People, where she sang her first solo with her sisters, Change, by Walter Hawkins. Later, led by her brother, she and her family joined New Bethel Baptist Church in the city of Portsmouth. Often you would hear her rendering beautiful solos in morning service, at funerals, banquets and other special occasions. The memories of Clintonia radiate through her iridescent appearance of warmth as she has shown love for her niece that she reared in her home, Martella Buggs Hawkins (Sissy) and her nephew Canden Nigel Walton, whom she regarded as her 3rd son, who often came for extended visits. She looked forward to planning and hosting in family reunions that were held across the country because of her deep love for family. Clintonia would celebrate her birthday the entire month of August up until her Wedding Anniversary to the love of her life, Vernon, aka BigOne! Siblings Cleveland B. Walton, Jr.- brother (deceased) Cynthia Walton Morris (Orelon) of Stone Mountain, Georgia Candance Walton of Suffolk, Virginia Grandchild Alina Grace Saylor Who is she?....a wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, Grandmother, mother-in-law, cousin, friend and a courageous, blessed, strong, honorable woman of God! Charismatic Loving Intelligent Nurturing Talented Optimistic Nice Inspirational Amazing That’s who she is to so many, her family, students, parents and colleagues, that’s Clintonia!

Clintonia M. Walton-Saylor

August 2, 1962 - February 4, 2020