Lessie Jean Clay

God called home today, May 18, 2026, Lessie Jean (Shrable) Clay, 92, of Viola, Arkansas. She was born on March 19, 1934, in Vidette, Arkansas, to Ralph E. and Lillie LeAnn (Worsham) Shrable. Lessie was born the 9th of 12 children and was the last to die.

On September 4, 1950, Lessie married William R. Clay in Elizabeth, Arkansas, beginning a lifelong journey of love, faith, and family. They were married 56 years before Bill passed away. She spent her working years as a homemaker, creating a warm and loving home for those she cherished most.

Lessie was a faithful member of the Viola Church of Christ in Viola, Arkansas, where she lovingly taught the preschool Sunday school class for many years. Her gentle spirit and caring heart touched the lives of countless children and families through her church and community.

She found joy in many things throughout her life. Lessie loved college basketball and could often be found watching games and tournaments, proudly serving as an “armchair referee” from her living room. She especially enjoyed attending and supporting the local Viola Longhorns games whenever she could. She would often joke that after basketball season; Saturday television was hardly worth watching.

Lessie also loved gardening and flowers, finding peace and beauty in the outdoors. Her embroidery work was treasured by many, and every new bride could expect a loving set of sheets with embroidery work on the pillowcases made by her hands. She enjoyed reading and working on word puzzles and was known as a wonderful cook—even though she often claimed she hated cooking. Some of her favorite things included cornbread and milk, peach cobbler, and the color blue, which she loved because, as she said, “God made the sky so many shades of blue.”

Above all, Lessie loved sitting on her back porch, listening to the birds singing, and taking in the peaceful beauty around her. Her family remembers her as someone who was simply “always there,” offering love, wisdom, comfort, and strength throughout every season of life. All of us will be at a loss because she is no longer “Always There”. Rest in peace.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Lackie of Salem, Arkansas, and Brenda Stordahl (Cal) of Brighton, Michigan; three grandchildren, Amber Davis (Rob) of Fowlerville, Michigan, Devon Hoover (Jeremy) of Sarnia, Canada, and Dustin Stordahl of Howell, Michigan; and three great-grandchildren, Aiden Lutz of Fowlerville, Michigan, Abbot Hoover of Sarnia, Canada, and Isabelle Hoover of Sarnia, Canada. She also leaves behind many other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her presence in their lives.

She is preceded in death by her husband (William R. Clay), parents (Ralph and Lillie Shrable), four brothers, and seven sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Viola Church of Christ in Viola, Arkansas, with Bro. Alan Talburt and Bro. R.A. Pendergrass officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Gepp, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Winter, Jordan Cotter, Ken Cotter, Cal Stordahl, Dustin Stordalh, and Aiden Lutz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paragould Children's Home in Paragould, Arkansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.