Wilhelmina Joan Clay nee Arnold

OBITUARY Wilhelmina Joan Clay, known to all as Willie, of Union, MO departed this life in Union on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, having reached the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and thirteen days. Willie was born in Union, MO on March 8, 1943, daughter of Joe Arnold and Goldie Rosie Arnold nee Baker. As a young woman she was blessed to have one daughter. On August 5, 1977 she was united in marriage to Rev. Chauncey Elmer Clay and their families were joined as one. Willie is survived by her daughter, Sonja Harris and husband, Howard, of Lake St. Louis, MO; by her step-daughters, Evangeline Brooks and husband, Carl, of Villa Ridge, MO, Allean Hale and husband, Artha, of Robertsville, MO, Netley Clay-Logan of Robertsville, MO and Curtrena Turner, known to all as Marlean, and husband, Darryl, St. Charles, MO; by three sisters, Ruby Hinkle of Union, MO, Wanda LaMarque of FL and Roxanne Miller of Washington, MO; by her grandsons, Jarriel Scott and wife, Genevieve, of Gray Summit, MO and Maynard Scott, Jr. and wife, Melissa, of St. Louis, MO; by her great-grandchildren, Zacharia, Nakai, Maynard III, Silas, Amelia, Allie and Logan; by her special friend, Thelma McCray of Moselle, MO; by many step-grandchildren, many step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Goldie Arnold; by her husband, Rev. Chauncey Clay; by two sisters, Maxine Perkins and Audrey Fleming; and by her brother, Lindsey Baker. Willie was a Christian and had been attending Lighthouse Baptist Church in Moselle, MO. During her working career she was employed by Brown Shoe Company in Union, MO for about twenty-five years until the plant’s closing. She then went on to employment at Farmers and Merchants Bank in St. Clair, MO, retiring after twenty years of service. Willie loved going to church and was an avid reader. She was an excellent cook, and loved baking cookies and pies, especially blackberry pies. Willie was also an animal lover. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy and she cherished the time spent with them. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will forever live on in their hearts. A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, step-grandmother, great-grandmother, step-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin, and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. A private committal will take place at a later date at Crestview Memorial Park in St. Clair, MO. Memorial may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Wilhelmina Joan Clay nee Arnold

March 8, 1943 - December 21, 2022