Merle Loretta Clay

Mrs. Merle Clay, age 96, of Morganton, NC, left this world escorted by angels, to claim her heavenly home on Thursday, July 2, 2020. She was born in White Oak, KY to the late Robert Charles Gillum and Nancy Susie Pennington Gillum on October 2, 1923. In addition to her parents, Merle was also preceded in death by first husband Delbert Thompson, and then her second husband, Russel Orien Clay; three brothers and nine sisters. She was a member of Rainhill Wesleyan Church. Loved by everyone that met her with most calling her mom or grandma.

Mom retired from the City of Ecorse, Michigan's Water Department. After being widowed, she lived her last years with her daughter Linda & husband Don Johnson in Morganton, N.C. Merle lived a full life, being able to travel to almost every state with Russel, visiting with friends and family.

Those left to cherish her memories include a daughter Linda Johnson (Don) of Morganton, NC; a son Dale Andrew Thompson of Taylor, MI, and a daughter Sheron Thompson Tassis of Woodhaven, MI; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday July 9 at Rainhill Wesleyan Church, located at 5763 Rainhill Church Rd., Morganton , NC 28655 from 12:00 until 1:00 pm. The family requests that you wear masks and brightly colored clothes. Her final resting place will be at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Riverview, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care - Medi Home Health Agency, 180 W. Main St., Taylorsville, NC 28681 or Rainhill Wesleyan Church 5763 Rainhill Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655

Mom had Hospice nurses that were angels to her. We appreciate their tender loving care they gave to mom.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton, NC has the honor of serving the family.