Mary Frances Brasher Skinner Clay

Mary Frances Brasher Skinner Clay affectionately known as Frankie, age 84 died on December 8, 2022 at her home in Shelby County. Frankie was born on July 23, 1938 in Margaret, Alabama to her loving parents Clarence Eugene and Jewel Marie Hester Brasher. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lola Mae Freeman and an infant brother. She is also preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Thomas Earl Skinner and her second husband and love of her life, James Dillard Clay. Frankie is survived by her loving children Michael L Skinner and Alice Skinner Schencker (Richard), two grandchildren, Lindsey Schencker-Carroll (Joshua) and Jack A. Schencker. Two great-grandsons, Vlad and Klaus Carroll. Frankie has many nieces and nephews but always had a special place in her heart for her sister’s children, Suzanne MeDevitt (Mike), Regina Pregge (Cliff) and Mark Freeman (Sandi). After her family moved to Leeds, Frankie attended Leeds High School where she was featured in the Leeds News as being a “Student to Watch”. She also played the lead role in her senior play “Our Miss Brooks” before graduating in 1955. Frankie kept in touch with her graduating class by phone and reunions and shared many fond memories of those times. Her son personally had the pleasure of escorting his mother to several of the reunion get togethers and dinners. Frankie had many good times at Green Spot café aka. Ms. Ruby’s with many of her classmates. Frankie worked at Citizens Bank in Leeds and had various jobs in and around Birmingham, Alabama before retiring from New York Life. Frankie enjoyed many things including traveling, gardening, and flowers, watching the wild life that always sought refuge in her back yard, music, and dancing. Frankie enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, always with a smile on her face. Her children have many fond memories of the ride to and from Fort Walton Beach, Florida staying at the Best Western Hotel and sitting on the third floor balcony to watch the water flop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf Breeze. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her. The family would like to express sincere thanks to all her loving caregivers over the past few years. Encompass/Inhabit Health, Always Best Care, Visiting Angels and Oasis Hospice. We cannot thank you enough for all you did for her and us. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday January 25, 2023 from 1:00-2:00PM from the Chapel of Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama.