Mary Clara Day

Mary Clara Day, a beacon of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and selfless love passed into the arms of her Savior on June 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness that will echo for generations. Clara lived a life richer than most, mothering the hearts of her tireless dedication to others, especially the children at the beloved churches she attended.

Clara had the rare gift of giving, not out of abundance, but out of deep compassion and love, whether it was rocking babies in the church nursery, teaching Sunday School, or simply kneeling in prayer for those she cherished, Clara gave of herself with a joy that was contagious. Her hands were often full; craft supplies, Bible stories, and more but her heart was fuller. Each child she served felt seen, known, and loved. She believed every child deserves to feel the arms of Jesus wrapped around them, and she became those arms.

Though she did not have children of her own, she had many “kiddos”. Clara’s nurturing spirit reached far and wide. She was a treasured daughter and sister, devoted aunt and deeply adored great and great-great aunt. Her family was her heart. She never missed a birthday, always dressed in theme, or a chance to remind them just how much she loved them. Her handwritten cards, delicious cakes, treats, and warm hugs were constants that made life feel safe and sweet.

Clara was also a steadfast friend. She listened more than she spoke, prayed more than she worried and gave more than she took. Her laughter was soft but genuine, and her smile, especially when talking about the Lord, lit up every room. She was the kind of person who would sit with you in sorrow, stand with you in faith, and cheer for you in every victory. She adored two of her closest friends, Angie Perry and Debbie Bamburg.

Her faith in Jesus was not just something she professed; it was something she lived. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every quiet sacrifice was a reflection of the love of Christ within her. She walked humbly, served quietly and loved deeply.

While the world feels dimmer without her gentle presence, we rejoice in the truth that Clara is now home; whole, healed, and surrounded by the children of God she so faithfully served. We imagine her dancing down the streets of gold, hearing the words she lived for “well done, good and faithful servant.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruby Day; brother, Art Day; sister, Melody Davis; niece, Jenny Day and great-great niece, Chloe Ann Cooper.

She is survived by her sisters, B.J. (Gil) Thistrup, Patsy (Ted) Hicks; sister-in-law, Donna Day; nieces, Angie (Darrell) Cooper and Heather Martin; nephews, George (Hieu) Thistrup, Edward (Jenny) Day and Ben (Jessica) Hicks; great-nieces and nephews, Clint (Hannah) Cooper, Dillan (Lori) Cooper, Kallie (Cody) Saxon, Bella Martin, Cooper Martin, Bryson Thistrup, Kai Thistrup, Waylon Hicks and Lorelia Hicks and great-great nieces, Emma Kate Cooper, Dayleigh Cooper and Sarah Clinton Cooper who will carry her love forward in the way they live and love others. Though we mourn her absence, we give thanks for the gift of her life, a life that reminds us that the greatest legacy is not built in riches or recognition, but in love.

A Celebration of Clara’s life will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home At Pineview, in Valley Grande on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., where all who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Until we meet again, Clara, thank you for teaching us what it truly means to love and live for Christ.

Matthew 25:23

“ Well done, good and faithful servant”. You have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Savior's happiness.”