Clara Elizabeth Clay

Clara Elizabeth Clay, of Groesbeck, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2009, at Providence Hospital in Waco, at age 88. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the Groesbeck Church of Christ, with Brother Richard Williams officiating. Private burial will follow at Old Union Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, James Clay, Ricky Clay, Chase Clay, Chris Wilson, Clint Wilson, Jarrod Beard, Clayton Beard, Cody Wilson, Harrison Clay. Mrs. Clay was born on August 9, 1920, to Elbert Duncan and Minnie Mae (Surber) Duncan in Dallas, Texas. She and her twin brother, Bud, and other brothers and sister grew up and attended school in Dallas. She worked in a hat factory there while growing up. Clara was married to Mervin Clay on November 12, 1942 in Dallas, and moved to Groesbeck. She was a seamstress, working some in the local sewing factory, and also worked in the high school cafeteria while her children were in school. She spent summers canning the produce of Mr. Clay’s large garden. She was an enthusiastic quilter, making quilts for each member of the family. She was a devoted Mother and loving Grandmother (Memaw) and wonderful Mother-in-law. She also was a good neighbor and friend, who loved doing special things for others. She especially loved to pick out the most meaningful special occasion cards for family and friends. Clara was known as a lovely Christian lady; she was a member of the Church of Christ of Groesbeck. Mrs. Clay was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Viola Grace; and two brothers, Jerry and Newell; and her husband Mervin Clay in 2007. She is survived by two sons, Richard Clay and wife Peggy of Corsicana, and Elbert Clay and wife Linda of Tampa, FL; two daughters, Linda Wilson and husband H.G. of Groesbeck, and Elizabeth Beard and husband Gary of Groesbeck; and eleven grandchildren, James Clay and wife Annette, Ricky Clay, Chase Clay and wife Sharon, Chris Wilson and wife Cheryl, Clint Wilson and wife Jana, Cara Wilson Ueckert, Harrison Clay, Jason Branche, Jarrod Beard and fiance Megan Robinson, Sarah Beard, and Clayton Beard. Also, there are twelve great grandchildren, Amberly Clay, Kimberly Clay, Molly Clay, Emily Clay, Kennedy Clay, Chase Clay, Faith Clay, Courtney Wilson, Cody Wilson, Brady Wilson, Mattie Wilson, and Jacie Ueckert. She is also survived by her twin brother, C. E. (Bud) Duncan and his wife, Marie, of Lancaster.