Mary Blanche Clay

Mary “Blanche” Clay, 92, of DeKalb, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren on September 1, 2025.

Born in Stonewall, MS on October 4, 1932, to Edward and Avie (Gable) Evans, Blanche was the fourth of five little girls. Growing up in the Depression Era gave her the ability to make a lot out of very little which played a large role in the strong, confident, and independent woman she became.

She was one of a kind and not someone you met and forgot. Elected Homecoming Queen and graduated Valedictorian at Stonewall High School---beauty nor brains was she short on. While those are neat accolades to remember, what her family and friends will remember most is her love of the Lord and her boldness in sharing that. Saved at the age of 16 at Stonewall Baptist Church, her relationship with Jesus was evident in every aspect of her life—as a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend.

She married Tom Lyle Clay in 1951 and lived in Kemper County where they raised their daughter, Crystal and son, Bruce. Being a mother and a homemaker was one of Blanche’s most rewarding jobs but just one of the many things she was so very good at.

She was a professional seamstress who could create or fix anything. She later took an opportunity to train as a deputy under then circuit clerk, Johnny Creekmore. This led to a successful career with her serving 5 terms as Kemper County Circuit Clerk. No one left her office without hearing about Jesus. Many also could share stories of other “advice” she gave on life. Most of those stories included laughs and phrases coined by “Nana” or “Mrs. Blanche”. A fan favorite was her opinion of the fit of young girls’ jeans and that “the only thing stronger than denim was the love of God.” You rarely left her presence without a laugh and a smile. She was truly something else. She was a devout Sunday School teacher and embodied what a Proverbs 31 woman truly is.

She leaves behind a legacy of her love for her family and Jesus. There was nowhere she was happier than when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her fervent and faithful prayers over their lives have and will continue to have a profound and lasting impact for generations.

Blanche is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Lyle; and sisters, Willie Maude Gilbert, Helen Evans, Margaret Cook, and Sarah Cowan.

She is loved and missed by her daughter, Crystal Johnson (Jerry); son, Bruce Clay (Lauren); Grandsons, Matt Johnson (Hailey), Caleb Clay, and Zac Clay (Sidney); Granddaughters, Heather Watkins, Blair Waggoner (Seth), and Rachel Reeves (Chase); Great-Grandchildren, Hayz Johnson, Halie Mabry Johnson, Kyzer Johnson, Walker Watkins, Cash Lane Waggoner, Mack Lee Waggoner, Adalee Clay, Kason Clay, and Riley Reeves.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at Big Oak Church in DeKalb, MS, where she was an active long-time member, with Bro. Davey Wilkinson and Bro. Ben Jones officiating the service.

Serving as Pallbearers for Blanche will be Caleb Clay, Zac Clay, Matt Johnson, Hayz Johnson, Seth Waggoner, and Chase Reeves.

Giving and charity were a large part of Blanche’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Blanche’s honor to Big Oak Church Cemetery Fund.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Blanche’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.