Today we celebrate the life of Ellouise Marie (Toney) Clayvon, a devoted servant of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.  

Ellouise commonly known as “Mrs. Clayvon” passed away on December 2, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois.  Born on December 23, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, she lived a life steeped in melody, ministry, and mentorship. From an early age, Ellouise’s life was shaped by music. She began piano lessons as a young child, taught, guided, and encouraged by her Mom, Mrs. Beatrice (Hamer) Toney mastering classical compositions before embracing the rich traditions of gospel music. Singing alongside her sisters in church, she developed not only her melodic soprano voice but also a deep spiritual connection to the power of song. She soon became the pianist at her church home, New Hope Baptist Church where her Father, Rev. Harold L. Toney was Pastor.

It became evident that music was not just a talent for Ellouise—it was her anointed calling. Those who knew her witnessed the joy and inspiration she brought to every note she played and every voice she guided.  

Ellouise graduated from Central High school in 1964 and went on to earn her nursing license in 1967. She was a dedicated nurse and patient advocate who continued to embrace medical advances and training in nursing even after she retired in 1984.

Ellouise and her loving husband Joseph Clayvon, Jr. were united in marriage in July 1963 and built a wonderful life with their three children, Joseph III, Dominica, and Andrea. Together they served Christ and established a host of loving friendships. Her loving husband Joseph preceded her in death in 2016.

In 1967, Ellouise became the musician for Progressive Baptist Church. Her dedication and leadership soon led her to serve as Minister of Music—a role she held with distinction until her retirement in 2010. Through this ministry, she emphasized the importance of choir decorum and the sacred responsibility of music within worship. She believed that music was more than performance; it was a form of praise and a vital part of spiritual life. Ellouise continually sought growth in her craft and calling. 

She attended numerous workshops to refine her skills and shared what she learned with others—not only within her church but throughout the Quad Cities and the Wood River District Association. For several years, she taught music classes through the association and hosted ecumenical workshops that united various denominations in joyful praise. Her impact extended far beyond church walls. 

Over the course of more than 58 years, Ellouise taught piano to hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds—at times instructing more than 60 students per week. She saw potential in each student and nurtured their gifts with patience and passion. Beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2014, she organized annual piano recitals that showcased up to 40 students at a time—celebrations of discipline, creativity, and community. 

Ellouise’s legacy lives on through her loving family: two sisters, Beatrice Bailey and Deborah Nelson of California; daughters Dominica Clayvon of Phoenix, Arizona, and Andrea (Kemp) Jones of Davenport, Iowa; grandsons Brandon Clayvon and Dominic Hill of Phoenix; Mikal (Tatiana) Clayvon of Davenport; granddaughters DeAndra Robinson and Noel Robinson of Davenport; as well as six great-grandchildren. She delighted in experiencing her daughter’s Dominica, pianist and Andrea, soloist who carry forward her spirit in music.

Ellouise Marie Clayvon now joins those who preceded her in rest: her parents Rev. Harold L. Toney and Beatrice Hamer Toney; her beloved husband Joseph Andrew Clayvon Jr.; son Joseph Andrew Clayvon III; daughter Deborah Marie Clayvon; and brother Wendell Nance.

May the memory of Ellouise Marie Clayvon bring comfort to all who were touched by her love, music, teaching, and unwavering faith.