Dorothy Woods Clay

The name Dorothy means “Gift of God”. On June 6, 1932, a gift of a daughter was given to Ruth Pullen Woods and John Woods. Dorothy Woods Clay was born in Forney, Texas. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Forney, Texas. She then attended Prairie View College, where she received a teaching degree.

She moved to Dallas where she married Clarence L. Clay, Jr. To this union one child was born, a daughter Shashon.

Dorothy was employed by Baylor Hospital where she worked as an LVN Nurse. She later attended El Centro College where she received her Registered Nursing Degree. She then went to work for Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she retired after over 20 years of service. Throughout her career Dorothy made many lifelong friends.

Dorothy joined Mt. Horeb Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor B.J. Bradford, Jr. At Mt. Horeb she served faithfully with the Usher Ministry and was a member of the Sunday School Class and the Women’s Mission ministry. She also served as a volunteer for the church’s mentoring program with DISD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Onita Dean, brother-in-law, Bernice Dean, Jr., and nephew Carl Dean.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved daughter, Shashon, three sisters, Yvonne Boykins, Evelyn Woods, and Jo Ann Woods, brother-in-law Hugh Boykins, niece/daughter, Wanda Johnson, nephew Hollis Dean, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dorothy’s family would like to thank the staff of Amity Hospice, especially Wyatt, Annique, Sheila, Kimeshia, Tammy, Chaplain Robin, and Samantha. The family would also like to thank Dr. Chiao Lie and Dr. Jaya Juturi. We hope each of you will be abundantly blessed.

Dorothy went peacefully to her heavenly home at the age of 91 with her daughter by her side on January 24, 2024. She was a gift from God to her family and friends and will be deeply missed.