Annette Wendi Clay

On November 9, 2020, Annette (Wendi) Clay became one of God’s angels.  Her passing was caused by COVID-19.  Annette was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 26, 1958 to Gary and Louise Honeycutt.  She spent her early childhood in Raleigh and the remainder of her life in eastern North Carolina.  She spent most of her career with the Craven County school system and retired from West Craven High School in February 2020.

Annette is survived by her father, Gary Honeycutt; step-daughter, Melissa Clay; sister, Gayle Ludwick (Terry); nephew, Chris Hancock (Morgan); nieces Catie Ludwick, Colby Harding; and two great-nieces, Julianna Ludwick and Regan Hancock.  Other survivors include mother-in-law, Mary Ann Clay; brother-in-law, Michael Clay; sister-in-law Helen Burkhalter (Kurt); step-sister, Wanda Shackleford (Charlie); sister-in-law, Elaine Judge (Tom); sister-in-law, Wendy Honeycutt; nieces Crystal Shackleford, Lindsey Joyner, Emily Judge, and Jill Greene; nephews Michael Burkhalter and Dylan Hardy, as well as her constant canine companion, Mia.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Clay; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and April Ireland; grandchildren, Jason, Bryson, and Caroline. She was also predeceased by her mother, Louise Wood; brother, Jeff Honeycutt; infant sister, Janet; step-father, James Wood; step-mother, Cynthia Honeycutt; and step-brothers Bill and Wayne Judge.

Annette enjoyed gardening and could make anything grow.  She was an Olympian shopper and you better have energy to keep up with her. She enjoyed decorating and had the ability to make something out of nothing.  She and John enjoyed visiting friends in the mountains; and she looked forward every year to family reunions at Topsail Beach with her sisterhood.  She had a special relationship with her nephew Chris and niece Catie and relished their time together.  The role she most enthusiastically embraced was one of grandmother to Jason, Bryson, and Caroline.  She always had pictures on her phone to show to all.

This year had been an extremely challenging one for Annette.  Robert A. Willliams said “I know of only one starting place in the war against sorrow, and that is in the arms of Almighty God”. Annette’s faith has sustained and nourished her and she felt blessed by her faith.  She tried to look at what you have left in your life; and not focus on what you have lost.  We know that Annette is at peace and now playing in God’s garden with John and their grandchildren.

The family truly appreciates the care of the staff at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin, North Carolina and especially appreciates her friend Kathy Adams help during her brief illness. The family is grateful for all the prayers and support given during this time. The power of kindness is immense. It is nothing less, really, than the power to change the world.

A service will be held at Spring Garden Baptist Church, 650 Spring Garden Road, New Bern, NC on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM .

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Spring Garden Baptist Church, 650 Spring Garden Rd, New Bern, NC 28562.