Remarkable lady who is still missed by many I'm sure.  Todd Ledford

I was fortunate enough to work with Kathy and her children-Julie, Laura and Jim many years ago.  Although my time was short at the agency she loved and built, she left me with so many positive memories of our time together.  There is no way that words can truly describe in complete detail what a wonderful person Kathy was to everyone she met.  She was a true leader and visionary who wanted to assist those individuals most in need who are often forgotten or looked down upon by many in today’s society.  She insisted that individuals who worked for her provide respectful and compassionate services to each individual we came in contact with, no matter what the situation was.  This philosophy was instrumental in leading to the personal success of many individuals from our community,  who often presented with little or no hope at time of their initial contact with the agency.  Kathy loved all people and perhaps her biggest gift was spreading her love to all of us...family, employees, clients or the unfamiliar person she would engage with her smile.
You will be truly missed by many here on earth Kathy, but your energy, kindness and positive spirit will forever live on in all of us whose lives are better because of you.
Charles 

There are so many wonderful memories to share of our mother Kathy Clay it is hard to pick what to write about. As Cody mentioned at the funeral her biggest asset was that she was blind to any faults. She had a love and compassion for anyone she came in contact with. She did not care how rich you were or what clothes you wore, if you were clean or dirty or what your past was like. She cared about the moment and making your future brighter. 

When it came to family, Kathy loved us all the same. To her we were ALL blood. She had a special love for each and everyone of us. 

There is one story I did think of that shows proof of her care for others. She told me about being at her favorite little Chines restaurant picking up her favorite dish (Worshugui). As she was leaving she overheard the owner telling a homeless man to leave, he was not allowed to use the restrooms. This upset mom to witness such an act. So she proceeded to go over and tell the owner to allow the gentleman in, he was her guest there, she then purchased him and meal and they shared a table.  This man was a complete stranger to her yet she wanted help him. I guess you can say mom always "Paid it Forward". 

It  hurt mom to see how our country has gotten so divided. She taught us at a very young age that we are all God's Children and we are all equal. That is one lesson I greatly appreciate mom giving us and we continue to share with our children today. 

I love you mom and will miss your presence here on earth but know you will be with me in Spirit and one day we will be together again.

Kathy was a very special person who was always looking out for those in the community. Kathy was a person who cared for those that society frequently wanted to ignore and she made sure they were treated with dignity and respect. I was blessed to spend time with her when I first moved to the community and she welcomed me with open arms.  Prayers to the family. 

Some of us are lucky enough to touch a few people in our life ... but others just seem to be able to touch people consistently and effortlessly, almost every day of their life. Cathy was one of those people.  Ever since I first met Cathy some 25 years ago, I understood that I had met a special kind of human being ... warm, kind, generous and totally committed to giving to others and making some kind of difference.   My memories of Cathy, all of the times we met in the US and even for a period of working together in Australia, will live on till it is my turn to fly with the angels in the heavens ... where I am certain I will be welcomed by Cathy to fly along with her.    Rest in well deserved peace Cathy!!

Your Friend ... Frank Porporino

I have worked for the Clay family for almost 15 years and am one of the fortunate few still with the company that actually got to work with Kathy.  She was certainly a loving, caring person who I will always remember having a great big smile on her face so much of the time.  Kathy accomplished many great things in her life, from co-founding Clay Wilson and Associates (The Cognitive Connection) to her 3 children whom I know she adored.  I enjoyed the personal time I got to spend with Kathy talking about non work issues such as our mutual love of reading and movies.  I regret that Kathy wasn't able to really enjoy her retirement and not only do more reading, and go to more movies but the traveling she also enjoyed.  She enoyed her cruises as well, with her family, and I was hoping one day of having the good fortune of perhaps her being part of my first cruise.  However, she's "cruising" in a much better place now and I bet the scenery is extraordinary.  Enjoy Kathy!!

My heart is heavy upon hearing of Kathy’s passing.  What a beautiful soul she was.  I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to know and work for her.  Kathy was as genuine as they come.  I hope she knew the magnitude  of  how  many lives she changed by her visions that became reality.  I will forever be grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to participate in  spreading hope and healing to people in need.  Sending heartfelt condolences to the family.  
Pam Story

The things that I remember most about mom is her love for life and others. She always had a smile on her face. She loved spending time with her family even when she wasn’t feeling well. Her smile would brighten up your day and she loved to laugh. She loved to play games and cards. She loved being involved in and with her community.  Mom was a true leader and was always able to forecast changes we needed to make. She would take on projects that I would later ask how are we going to do this and she would respond with “I don’t know but we will figure it out” and she always did. To this day, I truly wish that I had that same confidence that she always had. I remember growing up and hearing her say “James Larry Clay”….I knew then I really messed up and I was in big trouble. I remember the numerous hours she spent with me doing my homework. The time spent with her alone and the conversations we had I will carry with me forever. Walking in her door this past year seeing her sitting in her recliner and the smile she would get when I came in. The way she would hug me and hold my hand and always wanting that kiss…coming and going. 
As I write this and ask how am I going to go day to day without having her loving guidance? I don’t have an answer for this. I do know that mom is exactly where she wants to be and is no longer in any pain. I know that she threw that wheelchair to the side in God’s presence and walked to him. I know she is smiling, laughing, and dancing with my Dad that she so missed for so long. I know she will always be with me each and every day to guide me to be the best person that I can be. I know that I will strive each and every day to make her proud. I know I will miss her greatly. I know that I will love her until my last breath. I know that she is finally at peace. 


It is so difficult to know where to start to describe this amazing, bright, visionary individual who with a caring heart, knowledge and tenacity blazed a trail in North Carolina.  Through the development of the Cognitive Centre she introduced  innovative programs and services for all those individuals who without her efforts and work would remain marginalized ... offenders, the homeless, those suffering from addictions and the chronically unemployed.  She  leaves a legacy  for her children who in continuing her work and nurturing all of her visions honor her daily.  Despite all her achievements, Kathy counted her family as her greatest gift and accomplishment.   This however his Kathy the professional. I will miss the kind and loving woman who through our work together  became my friend  who game me so much ... she offered friendship, support,  respect, love, and  always unconditional acceptance.  Best of all she gave me the friendship and love of her family.   Rest in peace my friend and enjoy being with Jim,  Sing and dance like no one is listening and fly -  fly high with the angels.  I will remember and love you always.  Liz xo

There are no words to articulate what my heart is feeling.  So, where do I begin? I'll go back 17 years to my hire date at The CogConn. Kathy took a chance on hiring me and the rest is history. Over the years I've admired kathy's solid , no nonsense , effective leadership style. I've seen her playful side when she played and ate with her employees at a barbq she hosted in her backyard.  But what I admired most was her insistence that the clients at The Cog must be treated with dignity and respect.  She had a genuine passion to help the weak-those who cannot advocate for themselves. I think Kathy literally carried out the teaching of Christ found in Matthew 25, especially verse 40 "whatever you do to the least of these you've done it unto me". Kathy you have left an indelible impression on my life and the life of many. Praying for comfort for the entire Clay family.  It's been a pleasure knowing you. You will always be my inspiration.

In all my memories of Aunt Kathy she is being loving and supportive.  She just always seemed ready to listen, encourage and give a hug.  She was the type of person that saw the best in everyone and when she looked at you, you could tell she loved you and thought you were something special.  One memory I have of her involves a conversation we had on the front step of Gammy and Poppy's house.  She shared something about her past with me that was something we'd both gone through.  She was honest and totally straightforward and she was able to help me see that things would be OK. She didn't have to be vulnerable and tell me what she shared, but she knew she could help me, so she did. There were several times in my life that she called to talk to me about things she'd heard from other family members that I was going through and wanted to let me know she was there.  No conversation was too tough for her.  She was so easy to talk to even if it had been a long time since we'd last talked and it felt like she could see right into my soul.  She is gone too soon, but  I am so thankful to have had her in my life.

Kathy and Jim both were wonderful people!  I knew them very well. They were fun loving people.  We did dinner together,  visited each other at the beach, and many other things.   I know the family will miss Kathy dearly!  My sincere condolences to the whole family.  I will keep the family in my prayers!  May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Pam Barnette

What an extraordinary woman Kathy was. Such an inspiration to all who knew her. It has been my pleasure to have worked with her over the past 20 plus years. She will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Family.  Mike & Debby Goudelock.   

Kathy was a great lady I worked 8 years for her and she always had a kind word for me. I am praying and thinking of the family and share your grief as I lost my mom 2 weeks ago. Kathy tried to help anybody that she could and cared for everyone she will be missed. Julie, Jim, and Laura I'm sending my love to all of you hold your memories close of her she will always be in your heart

Kathy was such a wonderful person and  made such a difference in our community!  My deepest sympathy to the entire family.  You all are in my prayers of strength and comfort.  

Kathy was one of the most wonderful women I have ever met. She was always a positive and bright spirit to everyone. Her work in the behavioral health field is remarkable and commendable. I have so many memories of her at the office over the past 7 years I have work for the agency. I feel like I have lost part of my own family. Love and prayers to the family. 

So sorry for your loss.  I heard so many wonderful things about your mother and what a great lady she was, I wish I would have gotten to meet her.  You are all in my prayers.  Love, Rita

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Kathleen Ruth Clay

5 mars 1945 – 22 mars 2021

Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations

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