This story was last updated on: 9:23 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017.

Besides patrolling the streets of Orlando, preventing crime and helping young people, Lt. Debra Clayton also left a mark on her church family.

  • Clayton attended Winning Souls for the Kingdom in Auburndale since 2015
  • Bishop Jeffery Bradley: Clayton a born leader
  • Church will name its youth center in Clayton's honor

Clayton, promoted from Master Sergeant to Lieutenant posthumously by Orlando Police Chief John Mina during her funeral Saturday, began attending services at Winning Souls for the Kingdom in downtown Auburndale two years ago, according to her pastor, Apostle Lizelle Bradley.

“She was very faithful, driving from Orlando to here on Mondays for our women ministry,” Bradley recalled.

She came with her husband on Sundays too, when her work schedule didn’t conflict, according to Bradley.   

“We have lost someone, God, that has been dear to us, God," Bradley said during worship service on Sunday. "For the short time that you let us borrow her, we thank you."

Bradley's husband, Bishop Jeffery Bradley, called Clayton a born leader, someone who would get things done. As the couple was building their new church, he said she approached him about making sure the church was secure.

He said she offered the church leaders some training on the “Stand Your Ground Law” and how to deal with an armed intruder.

“She was taking them through the proper procedures and everything, and I think it was very wonderful because the people were able to interact with her and know what to expect if something would happen,” Bishop Bradley said.

The Bradleys were in Orlando on vacation the day Clayton was killed.   

“We woke up Monday morning to that. And it was devastating,” Apostle Bradley said.  “We were praying that on her way to the hospital that they would be able to revive her. “

Now the couple is saying a different prayer. They hope the man accused of shooting and killing her, Markeith Loyd, is arrested peacefully or turns himself in.

“We’re praying that when he’s caught, that it will be a smooth transaction,” Apostle Bradley said. “I know you may say that’s hard to believe, but I believe God can do anything.

We don’t want to see anyone else lose their life. I just ask that everybody pray that you know that he’s caught and that things are done in proper and decent order and not in anger, because that wasn’t Debra,” she said.

The church has decided to name its youth center in her honor. The congregation has started a building fund, and hopes to have the youth center built by the end of the year.

For more information, contact the church secretary Akisia Quinn at (863) 595-6151 or (863) 440-2382.