A Life Story
Janie Downs Clay, 77, of Savannah, GA passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026. Born on August 10, 1948, Janie was a proud graduate of Herschel V. Jenkins High School, Class of 1966. Janie dedicated 40 years to Southern Bell/AT&T where she worked as a Long Distance Operator and Administrative Clerk until her retirement in 2006. Her hardworking nature and commitment to excellence left a lasting impression on her colleagues and friends. A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Temple in Savannah, she found strength in her faith throughout her life. She was a former member of Ardsley Park Baptist Church where she was an active member in women’s missions and made lifelong friends. She was a courageous breast cancer survivor and later faced pancreatic cancer with remarkable grace. Her passion for helping others led her to become an advocate and volunteer for the American Cancer Society where she made a meaningful impact. During her volunteer years, she received the Terese Lesser Award for outstanding service in the Reach to Recovery program. Janie is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Edward W. “Buddy” Clay; her daughters, Susanne Clay Massey (John) and Cathy Clay Cason (O’Neal); her cherished grandchildren, Caroline Massey, Clay Massey, Cameron Cason and Carinne Cason; her brother Larry Downs (Mary) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Amy Louise Clay Barry and her parents Lawrence Austin and Louise Downs. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with an interment service processional to Forest Lawn Cemetery immediately afterward. The family would like to thank Jamilla Harris for her loving and compassionate care she gave to Janie for the last four and a half years. We would also like to thank Bridgett Ford and Mikelle Wilds for their loving care. Janie’s warmth, generosity and fun-loving spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her. In lieu of flowers, donation made be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.