Clara Young Jay Hammond, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at her residence in Bryan, Texas. Born on July 21, 1941, in Coleman, Texas, Clara’s life was marked by warmth, dedication, and an unwavering devotion to family and community.

Growing up in Odessa, Clara attended Odessa High School, where she began forming the roots of diligence and kindness that would define her. Her professional career was one of steadfast service—she worked for many years for the Brown County Independent School District and for the Texas Department of Transportation, roles through which she touched the lives of countless colleagues and friends with her reliability and friendly spirit.

Clara was known for her loving and giving personality. She treasured her family deeply and found immense joy in spending time with them. Her gentle manner and nurturing presence were a constant source of comfort and support to those she loved.

Family was very important to Clara. She displayed that through her commitment to marriage. Clara was united in marriage to Robert Crawford Jay on August 12, 1962, cherishing their years together until his passing. Later, she found love again and married Gerald Preston Hammond on December 27, 1998.

Clara had a zest for life and enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and traveling to new places, always eager to create cherished memories. Her enthusiasm for making the most out of each moment inspired her family and friends alike.

Clara’s life brought light and love to all fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those whose lives she touched—her gentle spirit and loving heart will not be forgotten.

She is survived by her daughters, Nina Michelle Gayoso and Beverly Denise Bauer and husband Bob, and her sisters, Cloyce Cody, Loretta Baker, and JoNeal Collins. Clara’s legacy also includes the special moments, wisdom, and generosity she shared with her loved ones including five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and three on the way.

Clara was preceded in death by her father, Leslie Allen Young; her mother, Gladys Hanke Young; her first husband, Robert Crawford Jay; and her second husband, Gerald Preston Hammond.

The family will host a visitation on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service celebrating her remarkable life at 2:00 pm Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to the Isle at Watercrest Employee Holiday Fund, 4091 Eastchester Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Jay and Hammond family by signing the guestbook on Clara’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jay and Hammond family.