SMITHVILLE, TN — The DeKalb County community is mourning the loss of Michael “Brother Mike” Clayborn, a foundational figure in local faith and public administration, who passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. He was 73.
Clayborn leaves behind a dual legacy as both a dedicated spiritual leader and a trusted public servant. For 12 years, from 2002 to 2014, he served as the DeKalb County Court Clerk, guiding residents through the local legal and administrative systems with a well-remembered blend of professionalism and warmth.
Parallel to his civic duties was a half-century devotion to the ministry. Saved at the age of 10, Clayborn answered the call to preach in 1973. A lifelong member of New Home Baptist Church, “Bro. Mike” spent five decades pastoring multiple congregations, leading revivals, and providing pulpit supply across the region. Beyond his work, he was known as an absolute University of Tennessee sports devotee who proudly “bled orange.”
Born on July 26, 1952, to the late Ed and Lorretta Parkerson Clayborn, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pattie Clayborn; their son, Brian Scott Clayborn; and his brother, Charles Clayborn.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Patrick (Wendy) Clayborn of Dowelltown and Matthew Braden (Amber) Clayborn of Smithville; his sister, Joyce Boyd; three grandchildren, Emily Clayborn, Ella Clayborn, and Jacob Moore; and a special friend, Jan Clayborn, alongside a close-knit network of nieces and nephews.
Arrangements and Memorial Information
DeKalb Funeral Chapel is overseeing the arrangements. The community is invited to pay their respects during the following times:
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Visitation: Thursday, June 4, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Friday, June 5, from 11:00 AM until the service begins.
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Funeral Service: Friday, June 5, at 4:30 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel, officiated by Brothers Jack Patterson and Michael Hale.
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Interment: Burial will immediately follow at DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the Clayborn family requests that memorial donations be directed to the church of your choice, honoring Mike’s lifelong commitment to faith and communi