Missionary Marilyn Elizabeth Barnes-Clay

On August 9, 1956, a beautiful baby girl named Marilyn Elizabeth was born to her proud parents, Mr. Timothy (Tim) Benjamin Barnes and Mrs. Helen Ruth Barnes. Marilyn was the 5th daughter of six daughters born to Helen and Tim. She was raised in the Greater Heights neighborhood of Houston, TX in a loving home where she was surrounded by and taught the love of Christ. Because of her environment, she was blessed to accept Christ as her personal Savior as a young child, and was subsequently baptized at the Eighth Street Church of God In Christ by the late Pastor B. C. Simmons.

At the tender age of 11 years old, Marilyn was called to “help people.” Just as Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, she was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…” and lived her life in service to Him since that time. She was also a beautiful songbird who graced us with her perfect soprano voice throughout her life.

Marilyn often commented on how she was blessed to have a wonderful childhood, experiencing the day-to-day joys of family, school, church and community. She was a bright student and began her initial educational experience at P.H. Holden Elementary School for kindergarten. Unbeknownst to her, she played a vital role to effect change, as she was among the first group of African American students to integrate the previously segregated, all-white, Helms Elementary school the following year. She later attended Alexander Hamilton Middle School and she subsequently graduated from S.P. Waltrip High School.

While in college, Marilyn met and later married Reginald Charles Scott. To this union, three children were born, Erin Ruth, Rylan Charles, and Rianna Erysse Caleen Scott. Marilyn was preceded in death by Reginald.

Throughout Marilyn’s life she enjoyed caring for and teaching “all” children. It was during her teenage years at home, that she was blessed with the privilege of caring for many of her nieces and nephews, which led to her being forever known as “Auntie Marilyn.”

Marilyn obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Child Development from Texas Southern University. From there, she began her teaching career educating elementary school students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). She was blessed to retire after over 25 years of service. It was her impeccable teaching record and unique teaching style that afforded her the honor of being recognized by then Gov. George W. Bush. who visited her classroom to observe her “in action.”

In 1993, Marilyn joined her beloved church family North Main Church of God in Christ, under her late pastor, Bishop William Nelson Godfrey and continued to be blessed under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Willie J. Collins. It was at North Main that she united in holy matrimony to Deacon William Clay Jr. on June 17, 2000. They enjoyed 20 years of marriage until Deacon Clay’s passing in August 2020. At North Main she was known as Missionary Clay as she was also a licensed missionary in the Church of God In Christ, Inc. Marilyn served her local church in multiple capacities, including as former Director of the North Main Children’s Choir (also known as the Sunshine Band), member of the Missionary Department, and member of the 5th Sunday Women’s Choir. She also joyfully served in the State Youth Department and oversaw the Scholastic Motivation Ministry’s Essay contest for her jurisdiction.

One of Marilyn’s favorite scriptures was Psalm 118:24 which reads, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!” She strove to live out this scripture until the Lord called her to her heavenly home on April 22, 2021.

Missionary Marilyn Elizabeth Barnes-Clay was preceded in death by both parents, Timothy and Helen Barnes. She leaves to cherish her memory and await that heavenly reunion her three children: Erin (George), Rylan (Robin), and Rianna. Marilyn was lovingly known as “Nana,” and leaves four beautiful grandchildren: Eden, Raylan, Emeri, and Gabriel; five sisters: Doris Ann, Geraldine, Joyce, Loretta, and Sandra; one aunt: Ora Barnes Robinson and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Barnes-Clay family.