Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | Durham, NC

Obituary For Carolyn Ann Hester Clay

Carolyn Ann Hester Clay was born February 27, 1953 in Elberton, Georgia to Wilbur and Kathleen Hester (Hunter) who preceded her in eternal rest. She departed this life on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Visitation service will be held at Monument of Faith Church, 900 Simmons St., Durham, NC on Friday, May 22, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Home going service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 12:00 noon also at Monument of Faith Church.

She was educated in the Durham City Schools and graduated from Hillside High School, class of 1971 as a Mighty Hornet. She served as the senior class reporter and her hobbies were dancing, singing, sewing and she was best known for shorthand abilities.

Carolyn had a love for learning and obtained many educational milestones. Her certifications included a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse, Certified (RN-C). She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Business, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Science in Nursing, and Masters of Divinity. Carolyn’s educational accomplishments provided her the opportunity to positively contribute to the health of Durham citizens and surrounding counties. Carolyn Ann Hester was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Charles Marshall Clay (Smile) on June 10, 1972. Two sons were born from this union, Charles M. Clay, Jr. and Bryan M. Clay. Carolyn and Smile were a couple that loved their family and friends. Carolyn loved to spend time with and entertain family and friends as often as possible.

Carolyn influenced and inspired others through her persistency and service to the Lord and was ordained as a minister in 1985. As a faithful member of Monument of Faith Church of God of Prophecy, Carolyn served God as a member of the Ministerial Staff, Pastoral Support Team (Chairperson), Finance and Stewardship Committee, Outreach, Christian Education, Children’s Youth, Pastoral Care, Usher, Music Ministries, and Nurse’s Guild (Health & Wellness).

Throughout her life, she served as a “volunteer extraordinaire” in many capacities. Carolyn served as a member on the Board of Directors for the Community Health Coalition. She also served as the President of the Resident Council at Durham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for two terms. She never met a stranger and opened her home to the needy and the hungry on many occasions.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Charles Clay (Smile), parents, Wilbur and Kathleen Hester, and sister, Barbara J. Alston.

She is survived by her two sons, Charles M. Clay, Jr, (Margo) Hillsborough, NC; Bryan M. Clay (Chaundra), Durham, NC; two sisters Rev. Darlene Dixon (James), Durham, NC: Alice Daniels (Rev. Andrew Daniels) Springfield, MA; one brother, Wilbur Hester (Ashley) Durham NC; one grandson, Bryson J. Clay, Durham, NC; one sister-in-law Helen S. Clay, Durham NC, two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Clay (Suzanne) Tucson, AZ; D. Tyrone Clay (Charlene) Durham, NC; two goddaughters, VaSharon Mitchell, Burlington, NC and Allison Driver, Gastonia, NC and a host of nieces, and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the service is limited to family members only. You may live stream the service at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH-8JNotY8m0igtsWCfS6MA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Duke Health Covid-19 Care Support Fund in memory of Carolyn Clay. All cards for the family may be sent to Monument of Faith Church, 900 Simmons Street, Durham, NC 27701.

Guest Book

Carolyn, this is Cynthia we went to undergraduate nursing school. I really miss you and recently found out about your death, we continue our journey and attended graduate school. You are a shining star. God is blessing you, my friend. Rest in peace my friend Cynthia Thompson

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Carolyn and I grew up in the neighborhood together from a young age (on Colfax Street). She was a beautiful person inside and out. She loved God and loved her family. Rev. Victoria Holley

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My sincere condolences to the family. I met Carolyn when my sister was terminally ill. Carolyn provided so much love and care for my sister and our entire family. She was a wonderful, beautiful person. I am blessed to have known her. Prayers and love to the family! Anita Wynn

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From the moment, I met Carolyn, we clicked! Her infectious spirit, kindness and humor, were all so wonderful. A person, one could never say "no" to and a friend one can never forget. In Prayer, Gloria Bullock

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To the Hester/Clay family,our thoughts and prayers are with you.Cynthia Street/Avery Family.

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My sincere sympathy to Wilbur,Ashley, Madison, Olivia and Wilber's siblings and families. Please know I am praying for you during this difficult time. Joyce Williams

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We will miss her very much RIP our sister. The Borland's

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To the Clay/ Hester Families our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time . May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace . Deloris Grayson and Family

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Hester & Clay family, What a beautiful smile that was on her face at all times. Mits. Clay had a warm, caring & sweet spirit. Please accept my prayers especially during this difficult time. Marilyn Womble. ( former Drh colleague. )

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Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. We will miss the presence of a truly loveable person and Woman of God. Carolyn (Sis. Clay or Clay as we often called her) will always be very special to the Williams Family and special for her unconditional love that she had for each one of us. She was always a Blessing to us and we will cherish the many memories of our times spent together. Her smile and laughter....we will never forget. She will be welcomed Home with open arms for all the good she has done to and for others. May God embrace and comfort you during this difficult time. 1st Peter 5:7 Lisa Williams & Taylor Charlotte, Nc

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Heaven received a special angel . . .Carolyn was a blessing to everyone she met. Rest in Peace my dear friend . . . Mickey Harris

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I remember Caarolyn from days together as nurses at Durham County General Hospital (Durham Regional Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital). SHe always had a smile on her face and words of encouragement for the Watts School of Nursing Students I taught. We also saw each other at North Carolina Nurses Association annual meetings after I left Watts. She was a special friend aand will be missed. Sharon Cooney

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Pleasing disposition and radiant smile = a very nice lady. Attention to details and to people. Sorry that we didn't see much of each other in our later years. Darlene Malloy Haskins

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Heaven has gained another angel

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You will be missed Carolyn aka The Queen. You were such a good friend to my family and me. You and Mr. Smile welcomed Sherry, Isa, and myself into your home, and I must say I feel blessed to have known such beautiful giving souls. Rest easy and keep smiling and know that you are loved and remembered by many.

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Cory Hilliard

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Holloway Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.