Lassata Valentine Lodge "Aunt Seata" "Trinity" passed away on Saturday July 3, 2021, surrounded by her cherished family.

Aunt Seata, as she is lovingly called by all who knew and loved her, was born on August 20, 1935 in the small district of Meribah, in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.  Along with her twin sister Mavis (now deceased), they were the first of many children born to Melvin and Bernice Clayton.  Her parents instilled an endless love of family, faith, friendship, community and a strong work ethic in each of their children. One of the enduring legacies that she has left her children and grandchildren are a strong supportive "Clayton" Family who always have "each other's back". She leaves behind her beloved sisters: Verna, Lorna, Marcia ( Kubba) and brothers: Sam ( Cuttie Roy ), Evril, Keith, Lance, Hilton, Weston and Hubert (Tunny) and over 80 nieces and nephews.  She will be reunited in heaven with her sisters Mavis, Jenny and Pearl under the watchful eye of "Mama" and "Dada" – the family matriarch and patriarch.

Indeed, Aunt Seata carried those values forward to her five children who she leaves behind: Devon (Oliveen), Lawrence (Pat), Donnette, Dean (Marie) and Collette (Franklyn).  She was a disciplinarian and raised her children with a tough yet caring and deep love.   As tough as she was with her kids she had the softest spot for her grandchildren: Shana, Jodian, Javier (Bling – Bling!), Kristof, Jade, Jaden ("Seata don't care") Kristen and Raine. And for her Ayden, her only great-grandchild, he was truly the light in her life.

She was a force to be reckoned from early on.  Her nick name of Trinity was an ode to her "no-apologies", no nonsense "kick-ass" attitude. She was resilient, fearless and feisty.  She stood up to protect those she loved.  Although for all the toughness that she projects she hated needles and would make a big deal even for her annual flu shot. She was a true extrovert who embraced life and is usually the first one on the dance floor even in the latter years when her knee, riddled with arthritis, would not let her move as fast as she would like.

She would never leave her room without her red lipstick.

She loved flowers.

She's never met a wig she did not like and leaves many behind.

She loves her sunglasses and had no problems wearing it all day and night.

Her joy was in cooking and feeding everyone.  In fact, the first question she will often ask upon meeting anyone is: "what would you like to eat". And "nothing" was never an acceptable answer.  Because she would insist until you ate. She always had food in her home and everyone was welcome, no reservations needed – just stop by.  In fact, much to the dismay of her children at the time, she would often invite the homeless to sit at her table for a meal.  Aunt Seata has never ever met a stranger.

Aunt Seata – our hearts are broken and will never be the same. We are so lucky to have been loved by you and that love will carry us forward. You will forever be missed. But, as you have taught us – we will carry on.

Please join us for a celebration of life service and burial on Saturday, July 17 th at 11:00 am at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home; officiating Minister Lloyd Richards (nephew-in-law).

In keeping with how she lived her life, the family will host a hot breakfast at 9:00 am at the Summerfield Community Center ahead of the service.