Phyllis Ann Clay

Phyllis Runyon Clay, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, gracious hostess, and faithful servant of the Lord, was born on November 9, 1936, in Stone, Kentucky, to Woodrow Runyon and Ada Hatfield Runyon. She passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, surrounded by love and the legacy of a life well lived.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Paulette Coffey; her son, Jerrell Glen Clay Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Dee Clay; and her beloved granddaughter, Moriah Clay.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Jerrell G. Clay Sr., with whom she built a life rooted in faith, family, and togetherness. She also leaves behind her children: Doug Williams (Diane), Mark Williams, Debbie Propper (Bill), Alison Simmons (Jesse), and Ellen Smith (Tim); along with twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom were the pride and joy of her life.

Phyllis and Jerrell were married on July 10, 1971, beginning their journey as a blended family of six children—three Clays and three Williams. Phyllis embraced this role wholeheartedly and was deeply involved in raising the children, creating a home filled with structure, warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a steadfast and dedicated mother, a nurturing Grandmommy, and an adoring Great-Grandmommy, always present, always caring, and always putting family first.

After living in Dallas for four years, the family moved to the Houston area in July 1975, where they made their home in Missouri City, Sugar Land, and Richmond, Texas. No matter the address, Phyllis ensured that every house was truly a home—a place where people felt welcomed, fed, and loved.

Phyllis had a lifelong passion for baking and sharing her talents with others. Her specialties included pineapple cookies, Sock-It-To-Me cake, Devil Dog cake, chocolate and peanut butter fudge, and her famous Friendship Bread. She always kept a loaf in the freezer, ready to give away—whether to family, friends, neighbors, or even the man who mowed the lawn. Acts of kindness came naturally to her.

She was instrumental in the success of Jerrell’s agency with Great American Reserve, forming meaningful relationships with agents, their spouses, and their children. Phyllis faithfully provided pigs-in-a-blanket for every Monday morning sales meeting and made sure everyone felt seen and appreciated. She also played a vital role in launching their marketing companies, Protective Financial Services and 3 Mark Financial, working in the office four days a week during the startup years—always reserving Fridays for her beloved hair appointment. The office was never without candy, snacks, and Phyllis’s warm hospitality.

Known as an exceptional hostess, Phyllis loved bringing people together. She hosted countless company gatherings, family birthday celebrations, Super Bowl parties, and treasured traditions. Her favorite of all was the annual employee and spouse Christmas party, held in her home, where joy, laughter, and generosity filled every room.

Christmas was Phyllis’s most cherished season. She found great joy in having the entire family together on Christmas Eve, preparing a big breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, and her homemade biscuits and gravy. She loved giving gifts—lots of them—and nothing delighted her more than watching each child and grandchild open their presents one at a time.

Phyllis and Jerrell shared a deep love for travel, exploring the world together. Their adventures took them to England, Italy, France, Portugal, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Russia, and China, along with numerous cruises to the Mediterranean, Virgin Islands, Baltic, and Alaska. When asked where she would most enjoy returning, Phyllis always answered Interlaken, Switzerland. She was also known for her firm stance against early airline departures, often saying, “If God wanted you to see the sunrise, He would’ve made it later in the day.”

A longtime member of Sugar Land Baptist Church, Phyllis was a devoted believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Her faith guided her life, her generosity, and the love she poured into everyone she encountered.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Phyllis with compassion and dignity: Carmen, her primary caregiver; Ann, a Med Tech at Grand Living who took a special interest in her health and well-being; the Anchor Hospice team—Morgan, Tiffany, and MJ; and Sonya, who ensured Phyllis was lovingly cared for each day.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM

Sugar Land Baptist Church

16755 Southwest Fwy

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

Phyllis will be remembered for her unwavering love, generous heart, joyful spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy lives on through her family, her faith, and the many traditions she created, each one filled with love.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Phyllis’s honor to:

Dementia Society of America

www.dementiasociety.org

The Star of Hope Mission

www.sohmission.org

—or to the church of your choice.