Obituary of Ramona Louise Clay

Ramona Clay was born on April 7, 1953 in Warrington, England in the United Kingdom to John H. Clay, Sr., Esquire, and Louise Fairley Clay. Both parents preceded her in death. Ramona, affectionately known as “Mona”, was the oldest of 5 children, including John H. Clay Jr., CPA (who preceded her in death), Paula, Anthony, and Stacy. Ramona was raised on Catherine Street in West Philadelphia before moving to the Wynnefield section of the City. Ramona was a spiritual person who was raised in First African Baptist Church located in South Philadelphia. She was active in Sunday School and participated in youth programs. Ramona attended John Bartram High School where she met her future husband, Larry Williams. Ramona and Larry married in 1971 and out of that union they had three children: Michele, Leah, and Duane. Ramona graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Religion. While attending Lincoln, Ramona participated in a study-abroad program in Nairobi, Kenya. Ramona had many accomplishments, including Youth on the Move which was a program designed to develop aspiring entrepreneurs, ages 14-25. Youth on the Move aided in fundraising initiatives; developed marketing and public relations strategies; and trained various entrepreneurs through workshops and educational activities. As the daughter of a lawyer and small business owner, she garnered the foundation that led to 40+ years as a successful entrepreneur. She was passionate about make-up and natural health care products, and she started every type of business that she could-- including a resume writing and recruiting company, a recruiting software program, and a life-coaching business. Ramona also authored several books, including: The Total Job Makeover, Living with Joy, Start-up Pro, Joy at Work, and The Miracle Entrepreneur. Additionally, she published a magazine entitled Divine Woman. Ramona traveled extensively to The United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and several states including Hawaii. She loved the beach! Ramona also enjoyed traveling to, and participating in, vendor events where she could promote her products. Ramona was committed to her family and supported their faith in God. She was an amazing grandmother who cared deeply for her grandchildren. They affectionally called her “Grandma Mona”. For the last 10 years, Ramona was instrumental in helping her daughter, Leah, grow and develop her business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise through regular prayer and hard work. In fact, Ramona was an integral part of The Society for Diversity's team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her commitment to their mission changed the lives of employees around the world who benefited from her recruiting, training, membership development, and conference planning efforts. Ramona was an enthusiastic and active member of Victory Christian Fellowship located in New Castle, Delaware. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on December 8, 2019. She transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 17, 2020. She is survived by her 3 children: Michele, Leah (Derwin), and Duane (Kandece), as well as by 9 grandchildren: Brooke, Taryn, Sam, Joyce, DJ, Kristin, Kaelyn, Kamryn, and Lorenzo. She is also survived by her sister Paula Hackett (Earl) with their children Edward (Gloria), Nicole and Matthew (Delrea) with daughter Jordyn; her brother Anthony Clay (Karen) with their children Ashlee Phoeung (Richei) and Amber Brown (Malcolm); her brother Stacy (Rasheeda) and his daughter Lucy; her aunts Juanita Harris (Lee), Willie Whitely, and Denise; her uncles Leo “Sonny” Johnson, Dr. Jesse P. Clay, Sr., Reverend Harrod E. Clay, Sr., CPA (Beverly), Larry (former spouse), and a whole host of cousins, family, and friends She will be remembered for her zeal for life, loving and radiant smile.