Christine "Chris" Louise Clay

Christine Louise Clay (Herron)

Chris lived in Orange Park, Florida with her two children, Angelica (26) and Nicollette (21) and her husband, Justin (61) until she passed away on April 3, 2024 at the age of 62. Chris was born in Cooperstown, New York on May 29, 1961, to Robert and Donna Herron. She has two brothers, Brett and Matt.  

She possessed a Master of Arts in Education from Nova Southeastern University, 1992. She loved teaching Advanced Studies in Math at Oakleaf High School. She retired from teaching in Arizona and moved to Florida 13 years ago to start teaching again because she loved it so much! She will be fondly remembered by her students and peers as she was well loved. One thing that they will always remember her for is that they all respected her even without a large commanding presence. As a matter of fact, I don’t think she ever raised her voice, much less yelled at anyone. 

She met Justin while taking classes at ATA. They both enjoyed Tae Kwon Do and wed soon thereafter on August 19, 1992 at 2pm in the afternoon. Her children played card games (she was an avid pinochle player) and rewatched movies with her. There was never a wasted moment when she was with her children, and she always made time for them.

Chris was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and beat it, only to have it return with a vengeance. She fought this terrible disease with every ounce of energy she had until her body finally gave out and succumbed to it. There are so many things to remember her by, such as that she loved to read. She would even reread her favorites. She loved puzzles. She was constantly working on a puzzle at her dining room table. 

In January, she hit her goal of 400 classes with Orange Theory Fitness in Oakleaf. She was the epitome of health up until the very end. She has touched so many hearts and her light will shine forever in the memories of those that had the honor to know her. 

The family will be having a Celebration of Life at Lisa and Joe Tomasino’s house at 506 Chestwood Chase Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065. The Celebration will be from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday April 13. We will be asking friends and family to scatter flowers seeds in her honor.  Please send a quick text or call to let Lisa know if you can stop by at 904-625-0402.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers please donate to Chris’ go fund me page. Anything will help. Justin used the entire savings on her treatments and living expenses. Cash donations are appreciated as well.

https://gofund.me/1e0dfa5d