Dorothy "Dot" Louise Clay went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 28 ^, 2021.  She was born at home in Bristol, Texas on February 18, 1933 to Charles Sydney and Omie Iler Lewis Bates.  Dorothy was one of 12 children and was raised on a farm where her parents taught her the value of hard work and absolute dedication to the Lord.  On March 2,1957, Dorothy married her sweetheart, Leland Jack Clay and they settled in Irving, Texas.  On September 15, 1962 they welcomed their son, Stacy Leland Clay who had a quick wit, an impish grin and a love for jig saw puzzles.

Dorothy loved to travel the U.S., so along with Jack and Stacy they logged many miles visiting historical landmarks with her brother Floyd and his wife, Jeanette.  Dorothy also loved to shop! Any type of shopping was acceptable: clothes, home décor, shoes…it was all good fun!  Dorothy did not like to cook yet she definitely figured out the secret to making excellent deviled eggs.  Everyone counted on her to bring her special recipe to Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations!

Dorothy was strong, determined and patient.  Her fierce dedication to Stacy, who had Down Syndrome was an inspiration.  The amount of love and inner strength required to care for Stacy and to help him reach the full potential of his capabilities was an amazing thing to witness.  The doctors told them he would never walk yet the fact that Stacy wandered away from church one Sunday demonstrates Jack and Dorothy's dedication to Stacy's quality of life. Not only could he walk… he could run. The sight of Stacy running with Jack in quick pursuit, still brings a smile.

Upon Dorothy and Jack's retirement, they moved to be near her brother, Floyd, so they could care for each other as they aged – and that is exactly what they did.

A graduate of Palmer High School, Dorothy worked for National Bank in Dallas for many years before eventually moving to LD Brinkman carpet company from which she retired.  Furthering the ministry was very important to Dorothy.  She and Jack spent tireless hours helping her sister, Geneva, brother-in-law and pastor, Henry, and nephew, Duron, with their church in Arlington. Anyone who knew Dorothy knew she was on fire for Jesus and was always in prayer for those she knew and loved.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack, son, Stacy, parents, brothers, Francis, Eugene, James and Cecil Bates and sisters, Hazel Tanner, Estelle Bates, Pauline Stewart, Lauther Ree Stewart, and Mae Birchfield.  She is survived by her sister, Geneva Cutbirth, brother, Floyd Bates Sr. and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews with whom she made many fond memories with over the years.

Visitation will be at Waxahachie Funeral Home on Sunday, October 3 ^rd from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at University Church on Monday, October 4 ^th at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Church, in memory of Dorothy. Mailing address for University Church is 221 Solon Road Waxahachie, Texas 75165 or the following link may be used to make an online memorial donation.

https://app.clovergive.com/App/Giving/univ221201