Jean Helfer Hendershot Lay, age 93, died on November 5, 2024, in her home at Overlake Terrace, Redmond, WA. Born February 2, 1931, she was the daughter of Charlotte Sparrowhawk Helfer and Walter D. Helfer. Jean was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and was mostly recently an active member Trinity Presbyterian Church, Travelers Rest, SC. She graduated from Marshall University, Huntington WV with her degree in education. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher and taught school children for 25 years in Texas, West Virginia, Florida and Ohio school systems.

Jean was predeceased by her first husband, Robert A. Hendershot, Jr. and her second husband Col. James Richard Lay, her brother Frederick W. Helfer and her brothers-in law The Rev. Ross S. McClintock and John R. Holland, sister-in-law Sarah "Sally" Hendershot Holland and stepdaughter Jane G. Lay.

She is survived by children Juliet H. Minister (Carl), Kathryn C. Predmore (Doug), Thomas A. Hendershot (Jennifer), a sister, Joyce H. McClintock and sister-in-law Judith T. Helfer and two stepchildren James R. Lay, Jr. (Sheila) and Susan L. Lusk (Dwayne). Grandchildren: Elliott R. Predmore, Emily K. Predmore, Kelsey J. Minister, Jordan A. Hendershot, and step-grandchildren Graham R. Lay (whom she helped raise), Christopher Lay, Jordan Lay, Jessica Kaufman and Aaron Kaufman.

A memorial service will be held in the summer in Columbus OH. Interment at Sunset Cemetery, Galloway, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 405 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, or the YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund, EAF c/o YMCA of the USA, 101 N. Wacker Dr, 16th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606.