Judonne Frances Clay

Judonne Frances Clay was born on March 24, 1948, to the late George Thomas Clay Sr. and Joyce Cecelia Clay. She was the second of four children: her eldest sister Cecelia Conchita White, the late Thomasine Maria Clay and brother George Thomas Clay Jr.

Affectionately known as “Judy” or “NaNa” by her loved ones, Judonne was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended Syphax Elementary, Randall and Browne Junior High, and Chamberlin Vocational School before moving to P.G. County, MD where she graduated from Central High School in 1967.

Upon graduation, Judonne started clerical work in the Federal Government (Federal City). Shortly after she transitioned to the healthcare industry where she found her true passion of serving the public. Over a span of more than 20 years, she served at V.A. Hospital, D.C. General Hospital and United Medical Center before retiring from The Children’s National Medical Center in 2010. She later returned to work for four years, part-time at the National Caucus and Center for Aging.

Judonne accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at Saint Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. She later became a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

In October of 1970, from the union of Judonne and Nathan “Squeak” Cook, they welcomed their daughter Monique. Judonne was a devoted, loving, caring and protective mother. Very rarely were they apart – so inseparable that people would say, “y’all are glued to the hip!”

Judonne loved life and will be fondly remembered for her diverse interests of traveling, hand dancing, coloring, shopping, and creating floral arrangements. She was also a founding and active member of the V.I.P. (Very Important People) Social Club as well as an avid lover of boxing and basketball. Her “classy and sassy” fashionista style always drew the attention of everyone she encountered. A fedora hat to the side, sunglasses, a raised collar, and her pearly white teeth with an infectious smile were her signature.

She showed up when it mattered, had your back, and would defend and stand up for her loved ones should the need arise. Judonne’s wit was razor sharp and she was known to never hold her tongue. She loved her family despite their quirks and dysfunctions – worried for them, rooted for them, protected them, forgave them, and always kept on loving them.

Judonne leaves to cherish in her memory her beloved daughter Monique Cook; sister and brother Cecelia and George; grandchildren Monquel, TaVon and Malik; great grandchildren Mekhi and Kennedi; and a host of beloved relatives and lifelong friends.

“I am not truly gone if you keep me in your heart. I’ll forever be alive, and we’ll never have to part.”