Ms. Clayander Wilson, known to most as Clay, was born October 8, 1951 in Mobile, Alabama to Alma Lee Smith and Clauzell Smith. Clay was proceeded in death by her mother. Clay was a proud graduate of Mattie T. Blount High School Class of 1969. After graduating high school Clay left home for Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in history. After completion of college she moved to the San Francisco, CA area and started a family. In 2006, after retirement from AT&T, Clay returned home to Mobile to be closer to her parents. With a strong passion to advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves, Clay decided to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in social work and thus began a second career. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, crocheting, and performing with her bandmates.
Clay leaves to cherish three children: Monique Wilson of Mobile, Alabama, Jabbar (LaToya) Wilson of Dallas, Texas, and Cameron Bryant of Mobile, Alabama. Clay also loved her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: India Wilson, Corionne Blackledge, Keaundre Blackledge, Corianna Blackledge, and Kelvion Brown of Mobile, Alabama, and Emersyn, Courtlyn, and Karsyn Wilson of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by aunts and uncles: Robert Jackson, James Lawrence Jackson, Arthur (Jo) Jackson, Idella Jackson, Deloris (Willie) Law, one devoted aunt, Norma (Joe) Smiley; a devoted cousin, Suzette Dunning, and a host of family. Clay had a strong community of sister-friends that loved, supported, and embraced her. Several of which are Deloris Ladd, Crystle Ross, Tracy Smith Jackson, Valerie Sullivan and Susan McGehee. Her caregiver, Juliette Thomas, and nurse, Beth of Springhill Home Health, provided special care and companionship during Clay’s time of need.

Theodore Arthur, Jr. – Solo
Theodore Arthur, Jr. and The Gulf Coast Jazz and Blues Orchestra Processional