Mary Frances Clay

Mary Frances Clay was born on August 20, 1940, in St. Louis, Missouri to Gale Raymond Wilkinson and Evalee Hall Wilkinson. The eldest of three children, Mary Frances set a precedence of academic excellence and creative talent for her brothers Dwight and Jeffrey Wilkinson to follow. She showed early in life a God-given gift for music, particularly expressed through playing the piano, which often resulted in first place awards at countless music recitals, and ultimately a music scholarship to Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

During her undergraduate studies at Fisk University, Mary Frances switched gears and changed her major from music to sociology after uncovering another passion - community service. Her interest in the civil rights movement led her to become actively involved in bravely participating in nationally recognized sit-ins in Nashville, alongside the late John Lewis and Joan Nash.

Mary Frances graduated from Fisk University in 1962, and shortly thereafter, met and married Donald Clay. From their union they had two children, Adam Scott Clay and Susan Gayle Clay; and recently reached an impressive 60 years of marriage.

After establishing a family of her own, Mary Frances returned to her academic roots and enrolled in University of Missouri, St. Louis. During this time, she also pledged her commitment to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (remaining active for many years to come). In 1972, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Education, which helped launch her dream career as a Certified School Psychologist.

Mary Frances retired in Gilbert, Arizona in 2004, only to return back to work for a brief period of time, happily serving as a part-time School Psychologist for the Gilbert School District. She also joined the local Tempe, Arizona Delta Sigma Theta chapter, and received recognition in 2020 for 50 years of sorority service in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Tempe, resulting in the ultimate honor of being named a Delta Dear.

Mary Frances is survived by her husband Donald and their two children Adam Scott Clay (Maricopa, AZ), and Susan Clay (Chandler, AZ). Affectionately known as “Grand Mary,” Mary Frances became a first-time grandmother in 2006 through the loving union of Adam Clay and Shanna Robertson. The blessing multiplied three-fold, as she is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Elijah Clay (17), Peyton Clay (13), and Emma Clay (10) who were the light of her life.