Jason Tate Clayburn, 25, of Magee, Mississippi

Jason Tate Clayburn, 25, peacefully went home to be with Jesus while surrounded by loving family and friends on July 17, 2025–winning his nearly eight year battle with brain cancer.

Tate was born October 17,1999, in Flowood, Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident of his beloved hometown of Magee.

Tate was a 2018 graduate of Simpson County Academy. A Business Administration major, Tate also earned his Associate of the Arts from Co-Lin Community College, where he was elected Mr. Copiah-Lincoln Community College Simpson County Center in 2020.

Tate loved every aspect of college life and participated in multiple organizations. He was a Trailblazer and a member of the Student Government Association. He also was a member of the 2018-2019 Wolf Pack Tennis team.

To know Tate was to love him and he reciprocated that love to everyone he met. He was incredibly proud to serve as a member of the Magee Volunteer Fire Department and was deeply committed to his oath. Working with the MVFD was truly one of the greatest joys of his life. Tate also loved his time working at Chick-fil-a in Hattiesburg. He found so much happiness in working with his team and serving others. His Chick-fil-a family also played a vital role in supporting him during his battle with cancer, holding multiple fundraisers and constantly sending cards or messages of support.

While it is important to recognize Tate’s illness because of the valiant fight he led, cancer most certainly did not define him. Brain cancer was a hurdle he knew he had to jump, but it certainly did not prevent him from living an extraordinary life. Tate was a passionate LSU fan and loved playing golf. He adored his dog, Blakeley, (BaeBae for short). When he was at home, you could always expect to find her at his side. Tate loved hard and he loved big. He never hesitated to express how he felt and he gave the biggest, warmest hugs imaginable.

Tate was an incredible friend, a loving sibling, a dedicated son and grandson, and more than anything else, a devoted Christian. His walk with the Lord meant the most to him and he found joy in sharing his faith: both with his friends and with strangers alike.

Tate is preceded in death by his grandfather George Arthur Clayburn, Jr.

Survivors include his adoring mother, Rebecca Clayburn, and stepfather, Guy Gateley of Taylorsville; his father, Jason Clayburn of Magee; his brother, Caden Clayburn; and his sister, Callie Grace Clayburn (Maddux). Tate was especially excited to meet and spoil his soon-to-arrive nephew, Kohen Rhett Allen, in September. He is also survived by his grandparents, Clifton Taylor (CT) and Nancy Henry of Johns, and Merry Russell of Magee, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins who were each a treasured part of his life and heart. Tate was also blessed to have a set of bonus parents and siblings who loved him dearly: Clint Burke (Lisa) of Magee, and Calder Reed of New Orleans, LA and Emily Reed of Magee.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the years of support and incredible medical treatment by his amazing teams at the University Medical Center, St. Jude’s ResearchCenter and most recently, Simpson General Hospital. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care during the last few days of his illness.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Overflow Church in Magee. Visitation for the celebration of Tate’s life will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm with the service immediately following at 2:00 pm.

Officiating the celebration will be Brother Paul Barnard and Brother Matt Temple. Interment will follow at Johns Cemetery in Johns, Mississippi.

Pallbearers are David “Buck” Craft, John Hosey, John Ready, James “Pops” Fortenberry, CT Henry, Caden Clayburn, Clint Burke and Calder Reed.

Honorary pallbearers are Senior Airman Corey Vallejos, Owen McCool, Todd Larkin, Sam Williams, Maddux Allen, Jacob Harlan, Keegan Harlan, and the Magee Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Overflow Church in memory of Tate to be used specifically in furthering the gospel ministry – because more than anything, he would want to bring as many people to Heaven with him as possible. (overflowchurch.com)

You may also give to Kim’s Hope, a foundation that provides financial support to families with a loved one battling glioblastoma, helping them care for their loved one at home, where they are most comfortable. (kimshope.org)