Julie Clay
March 21, 1958 – November 04, 2023
Julie Clay of Leesburg Florida died on November 4th. She was born in Wabash, Indiana on March 21, 1958, to John and Doris Hierholzer. Julie grew up on a farm where she developed a love for animals. Most of her adult years were lived In Mooresville, Indiana where she sold cars and raised dogs. She especially loved the little pond where her family, friends, and pups would gather and swim.
She was married to Brad Clay since 2012 with whom she shared multiple ministries: Kairos Prison ministries, small groups in her home and Celebrate Recovery. Julie was loved wherever she went and grew in service throughout her life, most recently at the Pregnancy and Family Care Center in Leesburg Florida. She was most gifted in this final ministry by God because she was able to draw from the pain of her own past and mix it with the love God had shown her. As a result, Julie poured out a combination of compassion, coaching and cheerleading.
Julie was proud of each of her children: Andrew (Amanda) Ward, Beth (Jason) Yoder, Jerad (Samantha) Ward and Gemma (Tim) Hardy. Some of her favorite times were when the family would gather over the fourth of July to swim, eat, and laugh together. Julie’s grandchildren were the joy of her life (Andrew, Kobe, Eli, Levi, Sydney, Nate, Tristan, Ben, Rachel). They all have great memories of Granny, her dogs, being outside, campouts on the living room floor, silly jokes, and popcorn and movie nights.
Julie will be remembered as a youthful spirit, full of joy, whose love and extravagance for others knew no bounds. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the many women who called her friend. Julie’s love for family and her positive influence on the many who confided in and laughed with her will forever be remembered.
She was preceded in death by her Parents and two brothers (David and Danny Hierholzer). Survivors include her siblings Janet (Mac) Copp, Joyce (Johnny) Damron, Jack (Joyce) Hierholzer, and Jeff (Tammy) Hierholzer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Crisis Pregnancy Center in honor of Julie’s unwavering dedication to helping others. At www.christiancarecenter.org/give, select
Pregnancy & Family Care Center from the drop-down menu. In the memo put “In memory of Julie Clay”. You can also send a check payable to Christian Care Center, 115 N. 13th St, Leesburg, FL 34748. In memo put Pregnancy Center – Julie Clay.
