Life & Legacy of
CELEBRATING THE
GRANDMOTHER
SISTER
friend December 28, 2021 • 10:00 AM Living the Word Church
17 Gateway Drive • Collinsville, Illinois 62234 PASTOR DAVID HAWKINS, EULOGIST
Life Mashell J. Clay, known by most
as Joanne, was born on October 13, 1958 in Greenwood, Mississippi to the union of Vera Lee Keys and Willie Lee Keys. She was the second oldest of nine children. In 1961 her family relocated to East St. Louis, Illinois from Greenwood, Mississippi. As a young child, she accepted Christ while attending the First Church of Nazarene. At age 16, while attending East St. Louis Sr. High School, she started working at the first Churchs’ Chicken restaurant. Her postsecondary education was completed at Belleville Area College where she earned an accounting degree. She began her career at Barnes Jewish Hospital as a Data Analyst where she was employed for greater than 25 years. On March 15, 2000, she married the love of her life Freddie Clay, and they purchased their dream home. She regularly enjoyed hosting family gatherings and events at her home.
She enjoyed working in her yard and completing various home improvement projects. However, there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She later developed a love for traveling, which led to multiple trips, excursions, and longlasting memories for her family. She was an advocate for education and instilled in her children and grandchildren that “Knowledge is Power.” She was preceded in death by her parents: Vera and Willie Keys; 3 brothers: James, Stanley, and Sullivan; and her 2 sisters: Lawanda and Judith. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband Freddie Clay; daughters: Myjal (Kevin) Garner and Mikayla Oliver. Her grandchildren Will Garner, Harry Garner, Derrick Scott Jr, and Landon Davis. Her sisters, Brenda (Edward) Matkins, Evelyn Keys, Jewel (Freddy) Dixon. Her brother Oliver Keys, Sr. Also, she was loved and respected by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Order Processional..........................................................................Ministers & Family The Invocation............................................................... Pastor David Hawkins Old Testament Scripture Reading............................. Minister Robert Collier New Testament Scripture Reading.....................................Dr. Patricia Moore Musical Selection Acknowledgements & Condolence Remarks.......................Marsha Johnson Life Reflections (Read Softly) The Prayer of Comfort................................................. Minister Jeffrey Collier
Eulogy Pastor David Hawkins Parting View Benediction.................................................................. Minister Jeffrey Collier Recessional...........................................................................Ministers & Family
Precious
Letter f r o m
Heaven
by Erica Shea Liupaeter
When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes, All filled with tears for me I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, The way you did today; While thinking of the many things, We didn’t get to say I know how much you love me, As much as I love you; And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too, When tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart; For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart
of Appreciation The family of Mashell J. Clay wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the cards, e-mails, text messages, floral condolences and other expressions of sympathy extended during our bereavement. They have helped immeasurably in lightening our burden of sadness. We want each of you to know we shall forever remain grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness. PA L L B E A R E R S Oliver Keys, Jr.
Eric Tate
Dontel Keys
Tyler Dunn
Jamar Tibbs
Keyon Dixon
H O N O R A R Y
PA L L B E A R E R S
Freddie Clay
Breeze Dale
Oliver Keys, Sr.
Derrick Scott, Jr.
Kevin Garner
Landon Davis
I N T E R M E N T Mt. Carmel Cemetery
10101 W Main St. • Belleville, IL 62223
R E PA S T Gateway Convention Center
1 Gateway Drive • Collinsville, IL 62234 • Ballroom A
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