I noticed this a few weeks ago when FamilyNet aired an episode where Clayton was upset when his dad offered Benson a job that he wanted. His mother was played by Billie Bird who later ended up as a housekeeper for the governor.

Yeah, I noticed that too.

In one of the episodes that aired today Clayton mentioned his mother being deceased. This made Billie Bird's dual role even more bizarre considering that the actress that played Clayton's mother was a cast member at the time.

I think that's why they killed Clayton's mother off, since BB was playing a new character. Couldn't stand her in either role, though...

I must have missed an episode or two, I don't remember Clayton's mother. His father yes.

The episode with both parents is "The Endicott Dynasty." The father returned with a young fiancee in season 7's "The Bucks Stop Here."