Mary Clay

Mary Virginia Antrum Clay peacefully entered eternal rest on January 7, 2026, in Hamden, Connecticut, surrounded by love and cherished memories. Born on October 18, 1933, in Spring Hill, South Carolina, Mary was the firstborn daughter of the late Arthur and Ethel Antrum. In 1935, as a young child, she relocated with her family to Ansonia, Connecticut, a place that would become her lifelong home and the foundation of her legacy. She attended Ansonia Public Schools and proudly graduated from Ansonia High School in 1951. Mary was a trailblazer whose life reflected perseverance, dignity, and quiet strength. She made history as the first Black woman to work in Ansonia, employed at Spector Furniture Store. She later devoted 30 years of faithful service to SNET, retiring in 1991. Even in retirement, her heart for service continued as she spent an additional 20 years as a paraprofessional with the New Haven Board of Education, serving students at Polymacade and Dwight Schools, where she touched countless young lives. Mary began her Christian journey at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia, Connecticut, where her faith was nurtured and became a guiding force throughout her life. In 1980, she united with Community Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted and faithful member for 46 years. Her love for the church was evident through her service as an usher, assistant church clerk, a member of the Seasoned Saints Ministry, and the Kitchen Committee. She served with humility and dedication until her health no longer allowed, though her spirit and presence were always felt. To her family and all who loved her, Mary was affectionately known as “Mama,” “GG,” and “Grandma Number 2.” She will forever be remembered as a loving listener and a steady source of encouragement. Her words were gentle yet powerful, and her guidance though sometimes firm was always rooted in love. She expected greatness from her family because she believed deeply in each of them. Beyond her many accomplishments, Mama found her greatest joy in her family. She was a constant, loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nurturing and caring for them with patience, warmth, and devotion creating memories that will be cherished for generations. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved to shop, especially with HSN and QVC faithfully watched CNN to stay connected to the world around her and was also very fond of sports. Mary leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love to be cherished by her only son, Jerome Clay Sr.; her beloved grandchildren, Tavaris Bellamy (Charlisa), ShaVonne Harris (Harold Sr.), Jamal Clay, and Jerome Clay Jr.; her precious great-grandchildren, Tavaris Jr., Tiyah, Tai, Travis, Trinity, Aniya, Harold Jr., Kamal, Avonna, India, Jeremiah, and Ja’Nylah; and her great-great-grandchildren, Kae’dyn and Trace. She is also lovingly remembered by her godsons, Jeffrey Bruce; her dear sisters, Arthurine Cobb and Shelia Antrum; her nephews, Derek, Chris, and Scott; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, Arthur and Ethel Antrum, and her brother-in-law, Sonny Cobb, whom she now rejoins in eternal peace. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will live on in our hearts forever.

Mary Clay

October 18, 1933 - January 7, 2026