Shirley Ann Clay

Shirley Varner Clay, was born on November 24th, 1955 in Houston, Texas. She was known for her faith, friendship, sense of humor, and love for others. She passed away, at 66 years old, after a courageous battle with cancer on May 4th, 2022 at her home in San Antonio, Texas.

Shirley was the last sibling to her 5 brothers and sisters. She grew up in Houston and later married and had 3 children. In her youth, she had an eager heart for serving Jesus and others which became her lifetime mission. She started at her very own hometown church then turned that passion into full-time service for well over a decade as a missionary in Costa Rica and the Rio Grande Valley. Later in life Shirley went back to school, completing her Bachelor's degree and graduate level courses in social work and counseling which she used to serve retirees as a resident counselor in San Antonio for the last 10 years.

Shirley met her husband Bill, the perfect partner, and they loved each other deeply while walking out their faith. While they met later in life, they took advantage of those years together, exploring the world, taking trips to the lake, and riding electric bikes. Shirley’s greatest joy was her family and grandchildren, which she devoted weekly video calls to and traveled to see. She was an incredible grandmother we called “Oma” and her shining example of love and service will continue forward through them.

Shirley is survived by her husband Bill, children Adam, Rachel, Kenan, and Bill’s son Bryan, and her 6 grandchildren Julian, Logan, Avery, Madison, Hunter, Samantha, and her 5 older brothers and sisters.

Shirley will be honored with a celebration of life on May 9th at 2PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.