Mary Clay

Mary Elizabeth (White) Clay, 84 of Xenia, Ohio went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 7, 2024. She was born May 13, 1940, in Xenia to Alonzo and Elizabeth (Harding) White. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Virgil D. Clay, two brothers, Oather White of Xenia and Marlin (Carolyn) White of Memphis, TN, one sister, Geraldine (Nooks) Jones of Xenia, and two daughters, Carmen Marie Smith of Xenia and Paula Clay of Springfield. 

Mary is survived by one aunt, Ruth (Raymond) Anderson of Xenia, one uncle, Luther Harding of Cedarville, two sisters, Reva (James) Smith of Xenia and Frances (Melvin) of Springfield, and one brother, Robert (Patricia) White of Dayton. Mary is survived by her children Kim T. White, Ida M. (Dwain) Hawkins, Carl R. Smith Jr., Andrea L. aka Angie Smith, Vincent E. Smith Sr., All of Xenia, Angela (Douglas) Owens of N.C., Theresa Clay, Virgil Clay Jr., Jana (Thurman) Grubb, Kim Clay, Natalie Clay, Jennifer Clay, All of Springfield, Forty (40) Grandchildren, One hundred three (103) Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends and her many devoted caregivers at Bethany Village.

Mary was a Faithful member of the United Christian Church where she held many positions, including being a member of the usher board and later moved to Middle Run Baptist Church where she is a current member. Mary attended East High School in her formative years. Mary retired from Wilberforce University with over 30 years of faithful service. She loved spending time with her family, cooking and entertaining. Mary loved sitting on the porch with family drinking coffee and watching the neighborhood. She could tell you everything that is going on. She was like a mother to a host of nieces, nephews, and neighborhood kids. She loved them like her own and didn’t mind correcting them just the same. Mary was an avid gardener. She loved her flowers and was so excited to win the Most Beautiful Yard award. Mary loved fishing, crocheting, and especially shopping. Mary will be sorely missed.