Nella Jean (Huff) Clay

Nella Jean Clay

January 2, 1936 – October 4, 2024

Our dear mother Nella Jean Clay sadly passed away Friday, October 4th at 88 years of age.

Nella was hospitalized at University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, her daughters surrounding her in love and peacefully singing her favorite hymn “In the Garden” in her final moments.

A strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, along with the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through her last medical challenges.

Nella lived her life as a walking testimony.

She was a deeply devoted Christian woman, involved in both LaSalle and Kentucky Park churches, where she served as Sunday School teacher, Church Secretary and Treasurer for many years.

Nella was born in Van Lear, Kentucky, on January 2, 1936, to the late Johnny and Luttie Belle (Cumbo) Huff. Born the third child of their family of six children.

On April 21, 1952, Nella married the love of her life, Bill E. Clay. They shared an enduring love lasting over 47 years, leaving the legacy of five daughters and five grandchildren.

Bill served in the Air Force and they lived in many states transferring bases. Afterward, they dabbled in entrepreneurship, buying Impala Motel in Inez, Kentucky. Their motel was loved by many, often opening and closing to a full house. While they were deeply devoted to their motel, they always put the longevity of their family first and moved back to Michigan before their daughters were of age to marry.

Nella learned southern cooking and hospitality at a young age growing up in her mother’s restaurant. She could make anything tasty, loved celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, with feast like meals, and her famous lemon dream bar cookies.

Nella worked at Mercy Memorial Hospital in the housekeeping department cleaning and sterilizing operating rooms. Later, her favorite position was helping children in the Head Start Program of Monroe Opportunity Program, where she had a pivotal life experience of helping a young boy find his voice and not get left behind.

Nella is survived by her daughters: Pamela Clay of Newport, and Sandra Johnson, Debra (Mark) Lewis, and Carisa (John Mack) Clay all of Monroe. As well as her grandchildren: George (Norma) Pfluge III, William (Karen) Pfluge, Phillip (Chris Barr) Johnson, Paul (Jennifer) Johnson, and Jennifer (Shawn) Cupp. Nella is survived by sisters: Christine Caudy, Roberta Hodgekinson, Betty Perry; step-grandchildren, Kati (Nicola Leone) Lewis and Mollie (Tyler) Gould; sisters-in-law: Oeida Woods, Clara Akers, Geraldine Endicott, Jean Huff, and Nancy Huff; greatgrandchildren: Kylie Pfluge, George Pfluge IV, Audrey Johnson, and William Johnson; and step-greatgrandchildren: Giovanni Leone, Rosalie Leone, Lucas Gould, Caleb Cupp, and Joshua Cupp.

Nella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill; daughter, Fonda Pfluge; brothers, Harold Huff and James Huff; son-in-law, John Mack, and many siblings-in-law.

Our mother lived every day with integrity, dignity, and grace, with a genuine smile that lit up her warm brown eyes. We are honored to share our mother’s story. Our mother was one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest humans to grace this planet. Without her, we wouldn’t be the people we are, and we wouldn’t have the lives we have. She is everything to us, and more, and there’s no way we could ever quantify the importance she’s held.

This is not goodbye, as you are part of us, we are part of you. You will always be loved & remembered in our Hearts.

Love, Your Girls.

Family and friends may visit Friday, October 25, 2024, from 12 noon until services celebrating her life begin at 4 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161. Cremation will follow and her cremated remains will be interred next to her husband at Roselawn Memorial Park at a later date. 

Online condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.