Carole Dube Clay

Carole Dube Clay passed away on Memorial Day, May 29th, 2023 after a brief but courageous battle with glioblastoma.  Carole was born on November 5, 1939, to Lenora and Oscar Dube in Goose Creek, Texas.  She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1958 where she was a high achieving student known for her keen sense of humor and she also enjoyed playing the clarinet in the band.

Carole had a passion for history and reading, which was a large part of why she chose to become a teacher.  Carole received her undergraduate degree in 1962 from Lamar University and later earned a Master’s Degree in History at Oklahoma State University in 1965, where she also met her future husband, Terry Dane Clay. Terry and Carole were married on September 4, 1965, in Baytown, TX.  Terry’s work took them to Midland, TX, where they raised two sons, Keith and Craig.

Carole taught 8^th grade American History at Goddard Junior High School for over thirty years, where her gift for connecting with students and fellow teachers enabled her to forge lifelong bonds. Her passion for teaching was infectious, and many former students credit much of their success to the guidance they received from “Mrs. Clay”.  She taught them so much more than history–she showed them the importance of hard work, preparation, and self-reliance. Carole’s dedication, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of education will continue to inspire her former students, friends, and family.

After retiring, Carole fulfilled her dedication to giving back to her community by volunteering at the George W. Bush Childhood Home and driving cancer patients to their appointments at the Allison Cancer Center for Rides of Hope. Carole and other Goddard retirees formed “The Goddard Golden Girls,” dear friends who spent countless hours laughing and being together at lunches, at the lake, and they even took a trip to Italy together.  She was a voracious reader and was never without a book, usually reading several simultaneously. However, Carole’s greatest joy was visiting her grandchildren, and she and Terry were always on the go and up for lots of adventures from tea parties and hide and seek to ballgames and baking goodies. Her “Hello Dollies” and “Air Cookies” were famous with her grandchildren.

Carole’s faith was integral to her life, and you could always find her, Terry, and their boys at Grace Lutheran Church. Carole was a fixture of the church community throughout her life in Midland. She happily dedicated countless hours to various ministries, including teaching Sunday school and singing in her beloved choir.  Carole’s warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering commitment to her Christian values made her a source of inspiration and encouragement throughout her years at Grace Lutheran.

In February, when Carole learned of her condition and that it was terminal, her faith in God was truly inspirational.  Her deep-rooted belief in the teachings of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church guided her throughout her life and provided strength and comfort during this difficult time. She embodied the values of love, kindness, and generosity that were at the core of her faith.

Carole is survived by her son Keith and wife Nancy of The Woodlands, TX, grandson Ryan, and granddaughter Courtney; her son Craig and wife Christine of Ridgewood, NJ, granddaughters Lillian and Beatrice, and grandson Wyatt.  She is survived by her brother Leonard “Shorty” Dube and wife Joanne of Alvin, Texas, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Judie Nunez became an integral part of the Clay family during the years she cared for Terry as he struggled with Alzheimer’s, and she and her daughter Alex were at Carole’s side throughout her brief battle with glioblastoma, and we are deeply appreciative.  Carole was preceded in death by her husband Terry Clay, who passed away in July 2020.

Carole was admired by both friends and family.  She will be remembered for her quick, dry wit as well as her kind and compassionate spirit.

Family and friends are welcome to join us to celebrate Carole’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 4th at Grace Lutheran Church, 3000 W. Golf Course Road, in Midland.

Memorial donations can be made to OurBrainBank to help move glioblastoma from terminal to treatable. https://www.ourbrainbank.org/give/ or to Grace Lutheran Church – Baumann Scholarship Fund (https://www.gracelutheranmidland.org/).

Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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