Wilma Francis Clay

"On January 5, 2016, Wilma Francis Cole Clay, loving and dedicated mother and Nana, died unexpectedly at the age of 75. She was born on January 13, 1940 in Lamasa, TX to Wilmer and Mary Cole. She was the first born daughter of 3 girls, and she loved to hold that over her sister's heads. Wilma graduated from Big Spring High School in 1958 as Valedictorian. Wilma continued her education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX graduating in 1962 with her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a emphasis in languages and began teaching English in Fort Worth in secondary education. After several years Wilma went on and achieved her Master's degree in accounting and finance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX while working full time at Republic Bank and raising 3 young children. During her life she followed her passions of art, painting, photography, music, and reading. Wilma continued her banking career and retired from Bank of America as the Vice President of Federal Reserve Funds in 2005. She enjoyed her retirement by spending time with nature and being surrounded by her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents Wilmer and Mary Cole, as well as her granddaughter Moriah Frances Clay. She is survived by her sister Marilee Hoth and her husband Larry, her sister Sylvia Peay, her oldest Jerrell Glen Clay, Jr. and his wife Tina, her second born Leigh Alison Simmons and her husband Jesse, and her youngest daughter Jennifer Ellen Whitten and her fiance Tim Smith. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; not to mention her many fur babies, specifically her snuggle buddy, Karma.