Nell Moore Clay's Obituary
Nell Moore Clay
November 29, 1932 – June 19, 2026
On Friday afternoon, June 19, 2026, Nell Clay was enjoying her family as Father’s Day weekend began. Bright and lively, green eyes twinkling, her heart suddenly stopped beating on this earth. Eternal life had begun with her Heavenly Father! She was 93 years old.
Nell was born November 29, 1932 in Goodlettsville and graduated from Goodlettsville High School in 1950. A GHS cheerleader and the first Prom Queen, Nell later worked for National Life and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was baptized at the age of 12, and remained a faithful, life-long charter member of First Baptist Church, Goodlettsville. On October 24, 1959, Nell married the love of her life, Doug Clay, after seven years of dating! Their covenant marriage was marked by unwavering love and steadfast support for one another, an example which continues to be a lasting testimony to future generations.
Known for her laughter, kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and peaceful presence, Nell was elegant, fearless, and creative, with a quick wit, a compassionate heart, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome.
Her life was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, church, extended family, friends, and neighbors. Whether hosting pool parties, Christmas caroling, church gatherings or family celebrations, Nell delighted in bringing people together.
She treasured church camp at Montgomery Bell - from Sealed Orders in the mornings to camp fires by the lake at night where the spark of the Holy Spirit changed so many lives.
The sound of her signature bell signaled to the Moss Trail Gang when it was time to come home. Her house on the hill, with its welcoming back door and swimming pool, became a cherished gathering place where countless memories were made.
Entertaining was second nature– especially when watermelon, homemade ice cream or her “legendary boiled custard” were included!
A true Southern hostess, “Miss Nell” opened her home not only to family and friends but also to the “The Lunch Bunch,” a weekly Friday gathering in the Clay family recreation room. For several years, she arranged for lunch to be prepared for 25-30 members of the community who met each week for food, fellowship and friendship.
Miss Nell was an artist who lovingly designed unique dresses, carefully selectingevery fabric and lace accent to bring her vision to life. She found pleasure in tole paintingand creating beauty wherever she lived. Her breathtaking hanging baskets were carefully curated by her dependable, dashing and devoted Doug. Rows of geraniums and trailing vinca complemented her iris garden, created from bulbs purchased in Bon Aqua with Jim Knight, a Master Gardener who helped reconstruct the original landscape at Belmont University.
As a founding member of the Goodlettsville Women’s Club, Nell also devoted her time to the Friends and Neighbors Garden Club.
She was instrumental in establishing the Meals on Wheels ministry in Goodlettsville, which, during her years of involvement, served nearly 10,000 meals annually.
To her nieces and nephews, she will always be their beloved Aunt Nell. She treasured family traditions and looked forward to every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and summer holiday. Hosting more family gatherings than can ever be counted, a legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness was created that will live on for generations.
Nell is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ray Douglas Clay; daughters, Jerri Lynn (John) Charron and Lucy Karen Clay; granddaughters, Ruth Adler (Zack) Brewster and Mary Elizabeth Charron; and a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents, Finis Frank Moore and Ruth Coleman Moore; her siblings, Lucille Moore Gray, Murray F. Moore, Alma Moore Smith, Joyce Moore Donlon, Ennis Moore and James Moore; and her beloved son John Douglas Clay.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to our caregivers, especially Janette, along with our mother’s faithful, dedicated physicians, Dr. George Bounds, Dr. Habib Doss, Dr. Mary Frances Kerr, Dr. Kent Lofley, Dr. Todd Tolbert, and Dr. Craig Wierum.
A private family graveside service was conducted by Rev. Taylor Johnson at Spring Hill Cemetery with her nephews serving as pall bearers. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving support of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville for providing the wonderful meal of Buck’s BBQ shared with the family following the private burial service. This kindness and generosity brought great comfort during this time.
A Celebration of Life Reception and time of fellowship will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church, Goodlettsville, TN. A brief service will be held at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to:
Goodlettsville Help Center Goodlettsville Help Center
HALO- Healthcare Advocacy & Leadership Organization HALO
Kings Hill House of Prayer Kings Hill House of Prayer
Brentwood Baptist Special Needs Ministry - Rowen Glenn Center Brentwood Baptist Special Needs Ministry / Rowen Glenn Center
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