Search by Name

Search by Name

Juanita Clay Obituary

Juanita S. Clay PORTSMOUTH - On Nov. 12, 2009, Juanita Denise Sexton Clay, a stately "Queen," a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and, most importantly, a prepared bride, awakened from her sleep, answered the summons call and united with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is our eternal bridegroom. Juanita Denise made her grand entrance into this world July 31, 1938. She was born in Portsmouth to the late William and Wiser Sexton. She was the ninth of 15 children. "Nita," or "Nita Baby," as she was affectionately called, was formally educated in the Portsmouth Public Schools system where she graduated from the historical I.C. Norcom High School. Juanita learned early that life had no meaning without the presence of Jesus Christ. She accepted Him into her heart as her Lord and Savior and He remained there until she entered His courts. She spent her early childhood as a member of Emmanuel AME Church and later joined her husband in membership at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. When her husband, the Rev. Dr. Rayphield Clay, excepted the call as pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Chesapeake, she served faithfully and tirelessly as first lady for more than 35 years. Juanita was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Rhoda chapter, Tidewater Area Missionaries, Tidewater Ministers' Wives and Widows (where she served as a former president), Virginia Association of Ministers' Wives and Widows and the International Ministers' Wives and Widows. Left behind to carry on the Queen's legacy are her lovingly devoted husband of 43 years, the Rev. Dr. Rayphield Clay; six children Karen Earls (the Rev. Robert Sr.), Kevin Clay, Raynard Clay, Cheryl Owens (Darryl), Fern Speight (Clinton) and Connie Clay; one sister, Mogul Porter (Casey) of Georgia; two brothers, Willard Sexton of California and Ronald Sexton of New Jersey; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. To her family she was not just a queen, she was "The Queen." A queen is one who is greatly admired, stands out above all others, and is the best of its kind. "The Queen" has left her throne for her heavenly home, yet her legacy is eminent and eternal. A funeral will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17, at noon in Mount Zion Baptist Church. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Graves Funeral Home is handling arrangements. www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Juanita Clay

Not sure what to say?





Phyllis Clay

November 23, 2009

Uncle Rayphield and family,
We were sorry to hear about auntie and that we could not be there with you. We send out Love, sympathy and most of all prayers.

Love the Clay Family in Bartow,
(Charles (Jr.) and the children)

Gregory Franklin

November 21, 2009

Rev. Dr. Rayphield Clay, Kevin, Cheryl, Fern and Connie.

I would like to extends my heartfelted condolences to you'll in the earthly departing of your wife and mother.

She was indeed a woman among women, a supporting spouse, model mother, good grandmother, and a grand great grandmother, I had the blessed fortuate of meeting Mrs. Juanita Clay when I was as a young lad, she was a tremendous personality.

God don't put more on you than he puts in you, He promised never to leave you, you're never alone because God is in from of you, Jesus is behind you, Grace and Mercy is on both sides.
Hold to his hands and he will hold to yours.

I'm praying for you, May God richly bless you is my prayers.

Gregory D. Franklin, Sr.
Gregory d Franklin, Sr., Ministries
Arlington, Texas

Phyllis Sampson

November 17, 2009

To The Clay Family,

I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your loved one. I pray that God's love will comfort you and that He will shower you with His peace during this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayer are with all of you. God Bless

November 17, 2009

With heartfelt sympathy to my Clay family..

Sincerely,
Krystal and Randall Carter
(late Mable Clay's granddaughter
and daughter of Juanita Clay Volley)

Arminta Richardson Harris

November 17, 2009

My prayers are with the entire family. Love & Blessings,
Arminta Richardson Harris

Veronica "Ronnie" Brehon

November 17, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

jeannie meadows

November 17, 2009

as a long time friends of the family i would like to say that u will always be in my thoughts...

Angela L Gilliam Perry

November 17, 2009

To the Clay Family:

Sending my deepest sympathy in the lost of your earthly "Queen", Mrs. Juanita Clay. May you continue to keep you hands in God's hand. Keeping the family in much prayer!

Former Manor High School Classmate,
Angela L. Gilliam Perry

Ruth Frazier-DeLoatch

November 17, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

November 17, 2009

Robert, Karen & Family,
May the God of all comfort supply you with strength to face today, hope to face tomorrow, and peace to face the future.
Prayerfully with love,
Oliver & Frances Paige

Teressa Murrell

November 16, 2009

To the Clay Family,

I was truly saddended to hear of the passing of Ms. Juanita. May God continue to bless and strenghten each of you during your time of loss.


Life is but a stopping place,
A pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys,
Different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place,
Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
For some the journey's slow.
And when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
Together with the Lord.
-Author unknown-

November 16, 2009

To Uncle Ray & family: I regret that I am unable to attend the homegoing celebration for auntie Nita. Please know that I am praying that the Lord will strenghten and keep you. Never will I forget all the sweet memories of auntie. Even in times like these God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

Charlene Clay Horne ( Atlanta,Ga.)

Bernadette Harmon

November 16, 2009

Robert, Karen and family,
May you continue to be comforted by God's love at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Michael & DeLilah Collins

November 15, 2009

To the Rev. Clay and Family:

Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during the lost of Ms. Juanita. Know that Jesus will comfort your doing this loss. Know that she is resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior. And the love and precious memories that you have for her will forever remain and live in your hearts. I will alway remember her humor and smile. My family extends our heart felt condolences and prayers, but we know that God will comfort your hearts and minds.

Belinda Brown

November 15, 2009

Karen & Robert,

I feel for you and your family at the lost of your Mom. We grew up together in the Manor and your mom was also a mom to me. She will be missed by all. Be strong, we shall see her again.

Belinda Faye

J'Kai Eaves

November 15, 2009

To the family and friends of the late Mrs. Juanita S. Clay
My heart sends its love and prayers to of each and everyone of you .
May God grant to all of you her beloved family and friends, peace, love and solace in this hour of sorrow.
May HE who establishes peace in HIS celestial heights create peace unto each and everyone of you.

With heart felt condolences,
Ms J.Kai Yutema Eaves and Family (NSU) friend of Ms. Karen Owens

November 15, 2009

My Dearest Friend Second Mother and My Mom's Friend is now sleeping in peace. To God be the Glory.
My heart and prayers are extended to all of the family, Pastor Clay, Karen, Cheryl, Fern, Kevin.....

Pell Seaton

November 15, 2009

Rev. Clay and family,
Earth has no sorrows that heaven can not heal. I am sad to hear of the passing of Ms. Juanita, but I know that she and Sonny are catching up on a lot of things. Please know that my family and I are praying for each of you.

Adrain & Pam Clay

November 15, 2009

To Uncle Rayphield & family: You are in our thoughts and prayers. May memories of Aunt Juanita and God's love comfort you.

Tyrees Jones

November 15, 2009

May God strengthen you and Robert during these trying moments,praying for you and the family.

Tyrees and Esther

Lamont Simmons

November 15, 2009

"The Reverend doctor rayphield Clay and Family, you my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved Juanita. She was beautiful!"
your friend to keep,
Lamont

November 15, 2009

TO GOD BE THE GLORY. IT IS SUCH A BLESSING TO KNOW OUR LOVE ONE HAS GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE FATHER. I HAVE PASSED THIS WAYTWICE AND JUST KNOWING THEY ARE WITH HIM QUITES THE STORM I WAS IN. YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS AND LOVE. ROSE ARTIS ARRINGTON 1727CYPRESS STREET NORFOLK,VIRGINIA 23523 757-971-4688

Shirley Bazemore

November 15, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Elder Darrell & Cynthia Dessett

November 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Eric &Cherita (Williams) Puryear

November 15, 2009

To the Clay family: I was sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May you cherish the memories and joy you shared together.
Peace and blessings,

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Juanita Clay's name

Memorial Events
for Juanita Clay

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Juanita's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Juanita Clay's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more