“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Dear Petra Family,
Petra International Ministries and the family of Elder Lisa A. Clay announce with great sorrow her passing this morning, January 17, 2022. Elder Lisa bravely finished a difficult year-long battle and went home to be with Jesus with great peace and joy. Bishop was continually by her side and, as he said yesterday, he is at peace.
We ask your continued prayers for Bishop and family at this delicate time and we ask that you be respectful of the family's privacy.
Information regarding future celebrations of Elder Lisa's abundantly blessed and impactful life will be released as it is available.
Sincerely,
Petra Leadership
In lieu of floral arrangements and gifts, the family encourages donations instead to be made to support the Petra Worship Ministry that was so dear and meaningful in Elder Lisa’s heart. She blessed so many through her music and ministry with the Petra International Worship Ministry that your generous donation would ensure the continued legacy of Elder Lisa.
Obituary for Lisa A. Clay
Lisa Ann Clay was born on June 9, 1961 to the late Louis W. and Anna E. Brown. She was the youngest of three daughters. Lisa was affectionately called “the baby” by her mom and “#3” by her dad. Lisa went home to Jesus on January 17, 2022.
Lisa loved God from a very young age. She used to cry when her oldest sister played “Away in a Manger” on the piano because the words of the song said that baby Jesus didn’t have a bed to sleep in (“no crib for a bed”).
Lisa began taking piano lessons around the age of 9. Her teacher quickly recognized how gifted she was and consistently gave her more complicated pieces of music to play – she excelled every time.
Lisa attended Gladstone Elementary and Middle school in Hazelwood. She then attended Brashear High School. Lisa gave her life to Christ at the St. John the Evangelist Baptist Church in Hazelwood at a young age. As a teenager, she started playing for the church Sunday School. She then became the pianist for several of the church’s choirs, and eventually became the church pianist. Lisa was known throughout Pittsburgh for her playing abilities and her love for God. When she was in her early 20’s, she became the pianist/director for a multi-denominational choir called God’s Special Edition (GSE). This choir became known throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio for the outstanding vocals and music ministry under Lisa’s direction. Lisa wrote many of the songs that GSE ministered. During this time, Lisa embraced God’s call on her life to minister the Word. Soon GSE’s concerts were known just as much for Lisa’s delivery of the Word as it was for the music ministry. Lisa also conducted weekend musical workshops at several different churches throughout the area for years.
God eventually led Lisa to Mount Ararat Baptist Church where she continued to share her musical gifts as part of the music ministry there.
It was at Mount Ararat where Lisa met the Reverend Donald O. Clay. This was the beginning of their music ministry that eventually grew into the awesome ministry couple that we know today.
In 1993, Reverend Donald O. Clay and his sister Donna Clay, were led by God to form Imani Christian Academy. The school was located in Donna’s home and had a total of 30 children. Lisa was one of the first teachers. Her teaching had an impact on those children that changed their lives forever.
In 1994, God called Bishop Donald O. Clay to form Petra International Ministries; Lisa joined him in that calling as the ministry’s Worship Leader. Petra was formed with worship and the Word as its foundation. Lisa was instrumental in building the Worship Ministry at Petra as the Worship Leader. In 2003, Lisa was ordained as an Elder at Petra. As the Word and Worship began to come together as one, so did the love between Bishop Clay and Lisa grow. In 2004, God joined the two in marriage and their ministry became even more anointed; thousands have been blessed by their ministry of worship and the Word. Lisa continued to walk in her calling and as the spiritual mother of the house, affectionately called “Mama Lisa”, until God called her home.
Lisa leaves to honor and cherish her legacy her beloved husband, Bishop Donald O. Clay, children Carli (Justin) King, and Cameron (Winter) Clay, grandchildren Carsyn King, Ashanti Platt, Judah Clay, and Zahra Clay; two sisters, Denise Washington and Adrianne (Enos) Scott; nieces Tiffany Alexander, Kristina (Isaac) Compton, Ronda Carswell and Charisse Worthy; nephews Evan (Parris) and Eric Scott; great nephews Isaac and David Compton and great nieces Kyndall Worthy and Mia Scott; beloved aunts Gloria Kelly and Lenora Brantley; beloved uncle Herbert (Toni) Brown; special sister/cousin Theresa Butler, and scores of beloved cousins too numerous to mention, but whom she loved dearly; in-laws Donald and Ada Clay and Donna (Mark) Dubois. She also leaves to cherish her memory many whom she considered her spiritual sons and daughters.
Lisa’s impact on this world is unmatched! She taught so many the true meaning of worship. Our lives are forever enriched because of her!