Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc.

Founded 1918

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 22, 2020

1. Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. Marker

Inscription. One of Montgomery’s oldest African American-owned businesses, Ross-Clayton Funeral Home was founded in 1918, as a partnership between insurance agent Robert Ambers Ross and a colleague. A partnership was later formed with William and Frazzie Clayton. The company incorporated in 1929. Its first location was along Monroe Street. In 1939, it relocated to South Union Street. The funeral home has occupied this Adams Avenue site since 1958.

In 1936, founding president Robert A. Ross named his son, David Calloway Ross, Sr., as his successor. Robert A. Ross died in 1945. A graduate of Worsham Mortuary College, David Calloway Ross, Sr. served as funeral director and embalmer until 1978. He died in 1987 and was succeeded in the business by his son. William and Frazzie Clayton both died in the 1940s and were succeeded by Jule Clayton Lewis, who served from 1947-1958, leaving spouse Rufus A. Lewis, as successor. He died in 1999.

The present edifice was completed in 2011. A multigenerational business with deep community ties, Ross-Clayton Funeral Home continues to serve the Montgomery River Region.

Erected 2018 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans •

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Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 32° 22.484′ N, 86° 17.34′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Adams Avenue, 0.2 miles east of Hall Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1412 Adams Ave, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hall Street Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Aurelia Eliscera Shines Browder (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hale Infirmary / The Lynching of Willie Temple (approx. 0.4 miles away); Johnnie R. and Arlam Carr, Sr. Home (approx. 0.4 miles away); Forest Avenue's Medical Facilities / Oak Park Montgomery's First Public Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Minister's Home / Dr. Martin Luther King (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harris House (approx. half a mile away); South Jackson Street / Victor Hugo Tulane (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.

Also see . . . Story of the Funeral Home from their website. (Submitted on August 22, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. and marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 22, 2020

2. Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. and marker.

Marker is just beyond white van.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.