On October 29th, 2023, Mary Elizabeth Alderman Clay 89, passed away peacefully in Lake City, FL, after a sudden illness.

She was born on May 17th, 1934, in Artie, WV, to William and Blanche Perry Alderman. After graduating from Glen Rogers High school she moved to Washington, DC, where she worked for The Department of the Navy, The State Department, and the National Security Agency. She met George Clay, Jr. while working for the government and soon became a proud Navy wife. Mary embraced with vigor her new job as homemaker. George and Mary were stationed in Naples, Italy, Washington, DC, and London, England. After George retired from the Navy they moved to Davenport, IA, where he graduated from Chiropractic college. The family made its final move to Jasper, FL, George's home town, where he began his practice.

Mary was an excellent seamstress, quilter, knitter, and crocheter. She also baked and decorated birthday and wedding cakes which were enjoyed by several generations of Hamilton Countians. She was creative and excelled at anything she undertook. She was a powerful bowler and bowled on a team in London where she was also active in the Navy Wives Club. After retirement, she and George spent many years traveling throughout the United States and overseas. She was an active member and servant at First Baptist Church in Jasper, Florida, for 51 years.

Mary is survived by her husband of 66 years, George Clay, Jr., her daughters Debbie Bass (Steve) of Pinetta, FL, Susan Clay (Jennifer) of Winterville, GA, her grandchildren Christy Adams (David) of Cherry Lake, FL, and Clay Bass (Brian) of Valdosta, GA, and great-grandsons Carter and Daniel Adams. She is also survived by her sisters Vera Jean Sutton (Wallace) of Morehead City, NC, Margaret Phillips (Roger) of Liverpool, NY, Phyllis Sizemore (Arnold, deceased) of Fairdale, WV, and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Alderman (Warren, deceased) of Medical Lake, WA. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Mary is predeceased by her parents William and Blanche Alderman, her brother, Warren Alderman, sister Betty Bailey, and brother-in-laws, Arnold Sizemore and Scotty Humphrey.

The funeral will be held on Thursday November 2nd at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church Jasper, FL, with the viewing prior to the service at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper, FL.