Bernice Smith Clay

Ruby Bernice (Smith) Clay was born on September 30, 1930 to Daniel Robert and Ruby Vera (Rich) Smith in White Oak, Texas, the only daughter of six children. She passed away in Austin, Texas surrounded by her children on Saturday, September 26, 2015. She was 84 years old. Bernice married Charles Edward "Charlie" Clay on July 2, 1949 in Decatur, Texas. She and Charlie were married 63 years and 10 months. Bernice and Charlie owned Clay Enterprises which over the years including Clay's Quick Way Grocery, Gibson's, Clay Mart, C&D Maintenance and Charlie's Mowing. She was an accomplished seamstress. She designed and made everything from men's suits to wedding dresses, and anything in-between for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was very active in St. Mary's Altar Society. She was BPW Woman of the Year and secretary/treasurer of the Winn Hill Cemetery Association many years. But, most of all, Bernice was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, her parents, and her brothers Louis Hubert, Robert Thomas, Charles "Buddy" Rich and David Ray Smith. Among the many who will miss Bernice dearly include her children, son Eddie Clay and wife Jan of Eastland, Texas; daughter Barbara Melvin and husband Kenneth of O'Fallon, Illinois and daughter Denice Cadena and husband Hector of Jonestown, Texas. One brother, John Paul Smith of Loving, Texas and two sisters-in-law, Inal Orene Spencer of Hillsboro, Texas and Clara Marie Matlock of Jacksboro, Texas; seven grandchildren, Melissa Shook Young, Charles Edward Clay, III, Monica Clay Howard, Pamela Shook Broten, Kenna Melvin Wittkowski, Joseph Clay Halliburton and Samuel Cadena; twelve great-grandchildren, Jessica Young, Turner Young, Eric Broten, Jeffrey Broten, Dustin Howard, Tyler Mustin, Brandon Theesfeld, Brooklyn Theesfeld, Sage Edward Clay, Kinley Howard, Kaelynn Halliburton and Kenneth Paul Wittkowski. She is also leaving behind many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Bernice's Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 which would have been her 85th birthday If so desired memorials may be made to the Jacksboro Fire Department, Concerned Citizens or Winn Hill Cemetery.

Bernice Smith Clay

September 30, 1930 - September 26, 2015