Rev. Clayton LaQuinn Merriweather entered this world on April 29th, 1968, to Ruth Merriweather in Bedford, Ohio, where he attended Bedford City Schools. He later moved to East Cleveland, Ohio with his mother and stepfather Johnnie L. Hester Sr. who embraced him as his own son.

Rev. Merriweather received his education through East Cleveland City School District where he also participated in Football for muni league, Kirk Middle School and Shaw High School. Soon after, Clayton met his wife Shernae Bonner where they formed a strong bond that was unbreakable. They united in marriage on December 30th, 1996.

Rev. Merriweather began work early in life starting his manufacturing career as a loyal employee and a leader in his field of work. He eventually became a very supportive union leader for his coworkers at Alcoa for many years.

Upon receiving the call in 1997 to serve The Lord, he joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and answered the call under the leadership of Rev. Edsel Alexander Jr. In 2003, he attended the Moody Bible Institute School Of Theology. The following year, Rev. Merriweather stepped in as the interim Pastor for Greater Unity Missionary Baptist Church. In 2005, he officially became Pastor until 2013. He returned to Zion Hill to continue his ministry of teaching and preaching the word of God, coinciding with his passion about leading the lost to a relationship with Christ. On August 28th, 2018, Rev. Merriwether was installed as Pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church where, under his leadership, The Caring Hands Ministry was formed to spread the word of God to the sick and shut in.

Rev. Merriweather loved his family dearly, shown by his endearing forehead kisses and warm bear hugs. Always at family events with a big smile and ready to eat. He loved fishing, playing basketball, chess, enjoying nature at parks and the lake, and listening to music. He really enjoyed studying God’s word faithfully and diligently.

He leaves to cherish his memories with his beloved wife Shernae Merriweather, his children Dexter Wilson, Ary’ess Merriweather-Rugley (Darryl), Shevonte Merriweather, Clayton Merriweather Ⅱ, & Issachar Merriweather. 12 Grandkids, His loving mother Ruth Hester; 3 siblings Tashira Hester-Lewis (Kyle) Jeanetta Hester, Johnnie Hester Jr. and extended siblings in addition to a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, Church family and dear friends.