Catina Michelle Clayborn

Catina was born on May 15, 1975, at the Gurdon Municipal Hospital in Gurdon, Arkansas, to Sheree Hatley-Clayborn and Johnny Ray Clayborn. As a child, “Tina” enjoyed being under her mother and father. She was a beautiful little girl who was also adamant early on about her desires. “Tina” was extremely active as a child, which led to her days of being an outstanding athlete in the years to come.

She started sports in the 7th grade where she began her athletic career. Before long Tina became a member of the Gurdon Cheerleading Team, Lady Go-Devil Basketball Team, and Lady Go-Devil Track Team where she thrived in 100-meter hurdles and made several trips to state track meets because of her hard work. She also received awards galore until she was a senior in high school. Catina was also crowned Homecoming Queen of Gurdon High School in 1992-1993. In the spring of 1993, she graduated from Gurdon High School and began her adulthood.

A few years after graduating high school, Tina began to expand her own family. At 21 years of age, she and Anthony Cunningham had their first bouncing bubble of joy on July 22, 1996, whom they named Martesia Cunningham. She was first married on June 23, 2007, to James Colbert, Sr. and had 4 more beautiful children whom they named Jayden, Riley, Gabriel, and McKinzi Colbert. Twelve years later, Tina was married to James Lee Jones in late 2019.

Catina enjoyed many things like family time, cooking, dancing, eating, and sleeping. She was passionate about her loved ones. She lived for good times and family gatherings. However, one thing she took pride in the most was one word, "Motherhood." Her children were her light and meant the world to her. She was always front and center at her children’s sporting and educational events every chance she had. Catina was proud of her children and would not hesitate to enlighten you about their accomplishments. Martesia has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and is currently working on her Master's degree. Jayden has earned a Bachelors in English Education and Masters in Sports Administration. Riley is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and both Gabriel and McKinzi are Honor Roll students of Peake and Cabe Elementary. Her goals were to protect her children, love her children, and raise her children in church as she was.

Catina started her walk into Christianity at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church at a very young age. Later in her adult life, she joined Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries where she was a faithful member until her health declined. Catina was a Woman of God who loved devoting her life to the works of the Lord. She always rejoiced in His house each chance she felt well enough to do so.

Not only was Catina a devoted relative, mother, wife, and church member, but she was also a dedicated employee. She began working with the Department of Health and Human Services as a Department of Children and Family Service worker, a transporter, and an investigator for at least 15 years. She also had various other occupations over time (Georgia Pacific and Arkansas Department of Corrections in Malvern to name a few).

She leaves these loved ones to cherish her memories her parents, Sheree Hendrix, Lee Hendrix, and Johnny Ray Clayborn; her grandmother, Jerine Hatley; her children, Martesia Cunningham, Jayden Colbert, Riley Colbert, Gabriel Colbert, McKinzi Colbert; one grandchild, Tabius Cunningham; her siblings, Greg Clayborn, Alicia Clayborn-Estell, Lalah Hendrix, and Emereal Hendrix; 5 nieces and 6 nephews, several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Submitted by the family.

Public visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024, and the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas, with Rev. Quintin C. Radford, eulogist. The interment will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas.

Greg Clayborn, Quincy Dickens, Harold Dickens, Eric Hatley, Tirrell Hatley, Cameron Rhinehart, Anthony Cunningham, Jr., and Gregory Clayborn will serve as active pallbearers. Honorable to mention are Brad Hatley, Winfred Burton, Bernard Hatley, James Colbert, Jr., Melvin Hatley, Alonzo Leeper, and Frederick Hatley.

Tameka Hatley, T’Nesha Burton, Stephanie Manning, Kathy Dickens, Michelle Christopher, Addison Sloan, Jamia Colbert, Briauna “Shan” Cooper, Crystal Clayborn, Crysten Clayborn, and the Gurdon High School Class of 1993 will serve as floral escorts.