Jessie B. Clay was born on May 10, 1937, to Alex and Maggie Bates in Shelby, Mississippi. Jessie was a longtime member of Livingston Baptist Church in Barberton, Ohio under Reverend Frank Gary. She was employed for several years at the Hilton Inn, as well as a caregiver and nurturer for numerous families for many years.

In 1952, Jessie married Abner Clay and had two sons, Otis Lee Clay and Lee Clay. She enjoyed collecting pictures of loved ones and she proudly displayed them throughout her home. She found joy and laughter in the family pet, Cassius.

She will be missed by all who loved her.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Maggie Bates; husband, Abner (“Lightning”) Clay; sisters, Ossie Mae Tucker and Ruthie Britton and grandson, Otis (“Mann”) Lee Clay Jr.

She is survived by her sons, Otis (Christine) and Lee (Oneida); grandchildren, Marlon Dix, Tracy Clay, Raina (Stacy) Marshall, Nea (Joseph) Lindsay, Micah Clay, and Breah Clay; 19 great grandchildren, 6 great, great grandchildren and 23 nieces and nephews; many loved great-nieces and nephews, as well as a host of family and friends.