Molly Hague Clay Stokes, 96, of Columbus, N.C. died on Nov. 26, 2016.
Molly was born Jan. 15, 1920 in Columbus, Polk County, N.C. She graduated from Saluda (N.C.) High School in 1937 and received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Asheville Normal and Teachers College (Warren Wilson College) in 1942. While teaching in Shallotte, S.C., she met and married John A. Clay from Tully (Syracuse), N.Y. She lived in Binghamton, N.Y. for 40 years before returning to Tryon, N.C.

She is preceded in death by parents Maude Waldrop Hague and William C. Hague; spouses John A. Clay and Roderick W. Stokes; sisters Thelma Hague Ballard, Ellen Hague Hoyle, Jettie Hague Davenport, Edna Hague Leonard, and Elizabeth Hague Pace; brother Woodrow Hague.

She is survived by son James Clay (Barbara Battin), of Dayton, Ohio and daughter Jean Clay Radice (Mark) of Ithaca, N.Y.; granddaughters Rita Black (Brent), Elisa Radice (Carl Dambkowski) and Caroline Radice (Jason Pluck); and grandsons Nicholas Radice and Peter Radice.

Molly taught school, enjoyed sewing, painting and photography, collecting antiques, music and singing in the church choir, bird-watching, cooking and baking, Syracuse University basketball, and traveling.
A private family service will be held. Committal in Tully Cemetery, Tully, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Warren Wilson College (Attn: ANTC Fund), or Christ Episcopal Church, Binghamton, N.Y.
Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, S.C.