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.