Clay Quarterman Death, Obituary: In Loving Memory of Clay Quarterman, a Dedicated Servant of God
The missionary community is mourning the sudden passing of Clay Quarterman (AC5Z), a devoted servant of God who died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Jackson, Mississippi. His death is believed to have been caused by a heart-related issue. Clay’s passing marks the end of a life defined by unwavering faith, global service, and decades of transformative ministry.
Clay Quarterman devoted 42 years to missionary work with Mission to the World (MTW), leaving a profound impact in Portugal and Ukraine. Prior to his international service, he faithfully pastored churches across Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of ministry. In Ukraine, Clay and his team helped establish 12 Presbyterian churches, along with critical humanitarian and educational institutions that continue to serve communities today.
A respected theologian and educator, Dr. Quarterman was the founding president of the Evangelical Reformed Seminary of Ukraine (ERSU) and taught practical theology for more than 20 years, shaping generations of pastors and leaders. His deep faith took root early—he attended the opening ceremonies of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) at just 14 and grew up at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson. He remained an active minister in the Presbytery of MS Valley from 1978 onward.
Clay met his beloved wife, Darlene, at Belhaven University, united by a shared passion for missions. They raised four sons, all born in Portugal, and were blessed with three grandchildren in Jackson. His family, colleagues, and countless lives touched by his ministry will remember Clay Quarterman for his humility, perseverance, and enduring legacy of faith, service, and church planting.