Visitation: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 1pm - 5pm.

Service: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church; 225 S. Mesa Street; San Pedro, CA.

Interment: Green Hills Memorial Park; 27501 S. Western Avenue; Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Highlights of Life

Iris May Claybourne was born to Marie and Thomas Bonner in Colón, Republic of Panama on August 7, 1925. Iris was the third of seven children born to this union. Iris' formal education was in the Republic of Panama and she graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Colón.

Iris met and married Ezekiel Gale. To this union two sons were born: Guillermo and Ernesto. They were married for a short time. In 1954, Iris stepped out on faith and became the first member of her family to migrate from Panama to the United States, specifically, San Pedro, California, which has been her home from 1954 until her death. Also, while in the United States, she met and married Cesar Claybourne.

Iris grew up as an Episcopalian Catholic and was baptized as a young girl. In the early 1990's, Iris joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and she was baptized again. At Mt. Sinai, Iris was an active member by attending bible study and she sang in the choir.

Upon coming to America, Iris worked for Pan-Pacific Fisheries Cannery on Terminal Island. After 22 years of faithful service, Iris retired. Iris had a passion for cooking and she also loved to dance. She was a good friend and sister to her siblings. Iris also enjoyed helping people and it was evident when she helped bring her mom, some of her siblings, and a few friends to America.

Iris departed earth peacefully on the afternoon of May 17, 2014. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who survive her: son, Guillermo Gale; brother: Adrian Bonner, sister: Marie Hunter, grandchildren: La Tonya (Simon) Scott, Juanita (William O.) Turner, Fernando (Raynesha) Gale, Sr, Jamila Gale, and Iris Gale; great-grandchildren: Salveon Nava, Raychelle Gale, Elise Turner, William M. Turner, Fernando Gale, Jr., and Maranda Gale, a great-great grandson, Maxwell Nava, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Marie and Thomas Bonner, brothers: Hector Bonner, Wilbur Bonner, Clinton Bonner; sister: Lilieth Markland, son, Ernesto Gale, daughter-in-law, Margaret Gale, and grandson, Nathaniel Gale.