Thelma Louise Clay, age 84, passed away on October 9, 2023. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 4, 1939 to the late Robert Jackson Rutledge and Lilly Louise Starnes. Preceding her in death is her beloved husband, James Edward Clay Sr., daughter; Tina Louise Clay, son; Jamie Clay and grandson; Verlin Dillard. Thelma could be found in her yard; rather tending to yardwork or conducting her own yard sale were she would make it a point to speak to everyone. When she was not hosting her own yard sale, she was going to other yard sales and looking at antiques. One of her hobbies earned her the title of “Quilt Lady”. She was known for making the best fried chicken and cornbread you could have ever eaten. Some of her most cherished memories are going boat riding on Jackson Lake, catching some fish, trips to Zaxby’s and time with her yorkies; Cooper, Izzy and Ollie. Thelma is survived by her daughters; Deborah Ponto of Jackson, Georgia, Kimberly Dillard of Jackson, Georgia, Teresa (Chuck) Corley of Jackson, Georgia, grandchildren; Joey (Chelsey) Dillard, Kayla (Corey) Amos, 6 great grandchildren, sisters; Shirley Simons of Cherry Log, Georgia, Mildred Elliott of Hoschton, Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11:00am on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Haisten Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10am-11am prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge, Georgia.
