Jeanne Williams Life Story

Jeanne D. Clay, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2024, at the age of 80 in Gilmer, Texas, surrounded by the melodies of life she so dearly cherished. Born on October 8, 1943, in Marshall, Texas, Jeanne's life was a symphony composed of devotion, creativity, and love.

Jeanne's early years were spent in the town of her birth, where she graduated from Marshall High School. Her passion for music led her to further her education at Stephen F. Austin and East Texas Baptist University, where she majored in music. This foundation in the arts would become the cornerstone of her life's work and joy.

An accomplished pianist, Jeanne's hands danced across the keys with grace and precision, touching the hearts of all who listened. Her role as a pastor's wife was filled with the harmony of service and the rhythm of compassion. As a choir vocalist, her voice lifted in song, was a testament to her enduring faith and the comfort it provided to many.

Jeanne's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of her interests. Bead making showcased her intricate creativity, while puzzles reflected her patient and thoughtful nature. Bird watching allowed her to revel in the beauty of life's simplicity, and her gardens of roses bloomed with the care and love she infused into every petal.

Family was the melody that played continuously throughout Jeanne's life. She is survived by her loving children, Melody Croley, Cindy Jean Southern, and Steven R. Fuller. Her grandchildren, Melissa Sims, Megan Ritchey, Clinton Ritchey, Kyle Croley, Aaron Croley, Chance Croley, and Wyatt Croley, added vibrant notes to her song, each one cherished for their unique contributions to her world. Though she was preceded in death by Connor Croley, John Daniel, and Lauren Rohr, their memories remain a poignant refrain in her heart's composition. The joy of life's encore was found in the laughter and smiles of her various great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Jeanne would describe her as faith-filled, creative, and loving-a woman whose life was a reflection of the words of Helen Keller: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart." Jeanne felt the world deeply with her heart, and in turn, left an indelible impression on the hearts of others.

As we bid farewell to Jeanne D. Clay, we remember a life lived in full harmony, with each day a note in the grand opus of her journey. Her love and legacy will continue to resonate within the lives she touched, a timeless melody that will never fade. Jeanne's story is one of a life beautifully played, and though the music may have paused, her spirit, like the songs she loved, goes on. 

A funeral service for Jeanne, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, in The Chapel of The Cammack Family Sullivan Funeral Home.