Avis A. Clay

Avis was born on April 27, 1927 to Raymond W. and Anne M. (Reed) Ainsworth in Fall River where she and her brother, the late Raymond W. Ainsworth were raised. Her father was the organist at the North Methodist Church in Fall River for 45 years and both her parents were devoted members of that congregation. Boston University’s School of Theology sent their students to the North Methodist Church as part of their education and training. Avis met these students and they encouraged her to question and learn. Thus began her lifelong exploration of Methodist churches, and later Unitarian Universalist churches. She recognized in these churches the foundations of community.

She graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1944 where she was not only voted the best dressed member of her class but was also a member of the National Honor Society. During her college years at Boston University where she studied sociology, her commitment to the importance of community began to flourish. She engaged in activities in her dorm, in her sorority, with school dances. During her college years she continued her exploration of the Methodist Church and the value and meaning of community. It was at her dorm, Fox Hall, where she met her future husband when he and a buddy visited the campus. That relationship flourished and eventually they were married in the North Methodist Church in Fall River. Avis graduated from Boston University and later studied Elementary Education at Bridgewater State College, the foundation for her 25 years as a fourth grade teacher. She and Donald lived in many places including Marcellus NY, then moved their family to Middleboro MA in 1960. Later they planned and built their retirement home in Bourne in the mid-80’s where Avis continued to live after Donald’s sudden death in 1989. This was a place of well-being for Avis. She loved the ever-changing beauty of the quiet marsh setting viewed through her windows.

Wherever Avis lived, she made her mark. A volunteer at the Bourne Library, an active member of The League of Women Voters, a volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels, a volunteer with local little theatre groups, active in the ski club and the tennis league, her community was always the beneficiary of her generous energy. She had many talents enjoying sewing, knitting, playing piano and listening to music. Avis was a dedicated swimmer for most of her life and cherished the many longtime friends she made through the sport. She was affiliated with and loved Briggs Beach in Little Compton, RI. Her 94 years were filled with activity and adventure. She loved to travel, she loved a new challenge, her mind always open to learning, well into her 90’s. She became an accomplished watercolor artist, she read constantly in many subjects, belonged to several book clubs, and took many courses on the U.S. Constitution through Cape Cod Community College and in Florida through the Center for Life-Long Learning. She respected all points of view and found the positive in all. Avis, you will be missed and the memory of you cherished by all who knew you.

She is survived by her three children: her son Peter and his wife Rebecca of Falmouth, her daughter Joan Perkins and her husband Alan of New Bedford, and her daughter Amy and her husband Matt of Middleboro. She was the proud grandmother of six: Daniel Clay, Annie Perkins, Timothy Clay, David Card, Molly Card and Andrew Card, and the Great Grandmother of twins: Harper Lee Clay and Isla Marie Clay, as well as nieces, nephews and so many valued friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home from 4-7 PM, closing with a brief remembrance reflection with Chaplain Vicki at 6:45 PM. A celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Middleboro at 1:30 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. The Clay family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and Keystone Place for their kind and thoughtful care of their beloved Avis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Avis’s memory to the Gleason Family YMCA, Perkins Lending Library, or to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Middleboro.