In Memory of BethAnne Clayton

BethAnne Clayton
Nov 28, 1965 - Jan 14, 2020

My friend, bandmate, and musical soul sister BethAnne Clayton passed away peacefully at her home in New Jersey on January 14th. 

BethAnne was a devoted mother to her 17-year-old son Paul, a loving sister, and a loyal friend to many, but I will remember her best as a musical force of nature.  Her gorgeous alto voice, her passion for all things musical, and her rock star heart will stay with me forever.

Singing with Queen of Hearts, the female vocal band I've been in with BethAnne, April Amick Caughman, and Helen Moore since 1999, has been one of the great joys of my life.

BethAnne sang her heart out anywhere, anytime, with anyone – indeed, she sang like her life depended on it. 
After her ovarian cancer diagnosis four years ago, it felt like her candle burned even more brightly.

So when Helen, April, and I traveled to NJ a few weeks before she died for what we all knew would be our final visit, it was entirely fitting when a neighbor offered to host an impromptu house concert for friends and family so the queens could sing together one last time.

The original idea was for us to sing a tune or two for a handful of close friends, but by the time we rolled BethAnne across the street in her wheelchair, a crowd of several dozen had gathered to cheer her on, and the queens performed an emotional ten-song set.  

When BethAnne died on Jan 14th, the queens once again came together. What an honor it was for us to sing for an overflowing church as we gave BethAnne a royal send-off.  Helen performed “Life Is a River” and April did “By My Side”, as BethAnne had requested.

With BethAnne’s extraordinary example to inspire us, Queen of Hearts will rock on.  While nothing will ever be the same without her, we have more songs to sing, stories to tell, and laughter – as well as tears – to share.