Frances Hoofman Clay

Frances Hoofman Clay, 92 of Searcy, AR, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Frances was born on September 16, 1931 in Judsonia, Arkansas to Bernest and Belle Stevens Hoofman. She was a survivor from the beginning and despite being born at home at twenty-seven weeks, went on to live a long life dedicated to loving and caring for others. Frances married her beloved husband, Carrol Clay, in 1946 and they were married for 54 years. They moved back to Searcy in 1962 and Frances spent her days raising her children, working for the Arkansas Calvary Baptist Association for over 30 years, and cooking for family and friends who loved to gather around her table on a daily basis for her delicious Southern cooking. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was known for her amazing homemade yeast rolls and sugar cookies. She loved cooking, sewing, crocheting and gardening but most of all loved her children, grandchildren and especially her sixteen great-grandchildren who were the light of her life and who adored visiting her for hugs and peppermints and Werthers. Even in her final years she enjoyed making hand sewn gifts for her family at Christmas and making sure that each new great-grandbaby had a lovingly crocheted blanket and hat. Frances was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Searcy, Arkansas. Survivors left with many memories are children Betty Roberson, Randy Clay (Pat) and Marilyn Rainbolt of Searcy; grandchildren Brian Roberson (Angela) of Cabot, AR; Brett Roberson (Jenny) of Searcy, AR; Amy Swift (Matt) of Bentonville, AR; Michael Rainbolt (Leanne) of Birmingham, AL; Sarah Hall (Jeff) of Benton, AR; Matthew Rainbolt (Beth) of Grosse Pointe, MI; Craig Rainbolt (Tiffany) of Birmingham, AL; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister Dolores King of Searcy; and many other relatives and friends. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Larry Roberson of Searcy, sisters Floella Ferren of Plainview, AR and Ellatrue Langley of Broken Arrow, OK and brother Dennis Hoofman of Judsonia, AR. Her family wishes to thank the Arkansas Hospice Family, especially Hannah and Sharon ‘Brenda’ and The House of 3 Family, Nickie, Kelly, Quilla, Amber and Megan for their loving care of Frances in her final months. In lieu of flowers, gifts of love in her honor are welcomed anywhere, but especially The Child Safety Center, Searcy, Arkansas. The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy, AR May 4, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 with a Memorial Service to follow.

Frances Hoofman Clay

September 16, 1931 - April 24, 2024