Earlene Eustace Clay, 82, longtime resident of Abilene went to be with the Lord, July 30, 2012 at Homestead in Denison, Texas. Services will be held at 2:00p.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Abilene with son-in-law Tommy Shields presiding under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brandon Shields, Cody Walton, Casey Walton, Wyatt Walton and grandson-in-law, Paul Terrell.
Earlene was born August 24, 1929 in Amarillo, Texas to Earl and Mary Eustace. She graduated from McLean High School and went on to West Texas State in Canyon, Texas where she earned her BS and Masters in Education. She married Billy G. Clay, March 21, 1959. Earlene was a teacher and administrator in the Abilene ISD for 45 years. She taught second grade at Central, Dyess, and Jane Long Elementary Schools, where she was named Teacher of the Year. She had previously taught in Hereford.
Earlene developed the first kindergarten program in Abilene, was supervisor of elementary teachers, and was instrumental in the development of the Motor Lab Program. In 1977, she became the Director of Federal Programs – Title I, where she served until her retirement in 2004. Under her direction, the Abilene ISD Title I Program and the Computer Take Home Program both received national recognition awards. She started the first Campus Parent Advisory Councils and District Parent Advisory Council to assist families in their role in the education of their children. Earlene was a member of the Association of Compensatory Educators of Texas, serving as Regional Director for 25 years. Earlene was a member and officer in Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, TSTA, NEA, TRTA, ARTA and ATPE. She was also named ABWA Business Associate of the Year. She was also a faithful member of Bible Study Fellowship.
Earlene was a long time member of First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Gold Band Class, served as children’s choir director, second grade Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. Her greatest love was her family. She passed her love of nature, travel, and learning to her children and grandchildren.
Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill G. Clay; daughter-in-law Brenda Walton; and several aunts and uncles.
Earlene is survived by her son Kim Walton and wife Kathy of Clyde; daughter, Karen Shields and husband Tommy of Sherman; grandchildren, Brandon Shields and wife Valerie, Meredith Terrell and husband Paul, Cody Walton and wife Sunny, Casey Walton and wife Lindsey, and Wyatt Walton; great-grandchildren, Dallie Jane Walton and Creede Walton; and a sister, Thelia Watson of Hurst.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Meals-On-Wheels, P.O. Box 903, Abilene, Texas, 79604 or the donor’s charity of choice.
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