Obituaries

Theodora J. Clay, 73, passed away on January 29, 2026. Services will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 beginning with visitation at 11 am and funeral service to follow at 1 pm at Greater Israel Baptist Church, 1509 Magazine Street.

Theodora “Lady” Clay was born October 18,1952 to the late Rosa Lee Clay and Theodore Clay in Nashville, Tennessee. After moving to Louisville with her family, she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age, at Southern Star Baptist Church under Pastor Kirby. She attended Central High School, where she enjoyed singing, drawing, and dancing. Lady had a lively personality that lit up any room and would bring smiles to many. She had no problem telling it like it is, while making sure you knew she did it out of love. She loved spending time with her family and watching shows like American Idol and Sunday’s Best. Her favorite artist was MO3, whose music she deeply enjoyed.

She dedicated 34 years of hard work to Teas Dale, formerly known as Mesa Foods, where she worked diligently up until her final days. Lady is preceded in death by her mother, father, brothers: Raymond Clay and Calvin Clay, nephews: Tevin Roberts and Gerald Dorsey, grandchildren: Jer’Maurie Martin and Jer’Neisa Martin and her life partner, James Martin.

She is survived by her children: Jermaine Martin and Ja’Monique Martin, sisters: Ella Belmar (Frank Belmar), Barbara Clay (Willie Bailey), sister-in-law Sheryl Clay, grandchildren: Ce’Azia Locke, Jermaine Martin Jr., Jamillya Martin, Kamarias Grundy, Jermanee Martin, Jermaya Martin, Shanese Henry, James ‘King’ Spaulding Jr, Semaj ‘MeMe’ Spaulding, Anthony Johnson Jr., Giovanni Locke, nieces: Angela Belmar, RoNeisa Jeffries, Shonna Clay, Sherri Clay, LaNiyah Collins, nephews: Antonio Belmar, Jerome Dorsey, Cornelius Barnett Jr., and great-grandchildren, great-nieces & nephews, and cousins that she loved dearly.