[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NOTING THE PASSING OF LUELLA HYATT CLAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that we acknowledge the 
passing of Mrs. Luella Hyatt Clay, the mother of our friend and 
colleague, Congressman Bill Clay. Mrs. Clay departed this Earth on 
February 21, 1997, at the age of 94. I am certain that my colleagues in 
this Chamber and others throughout the Nation join me in expressing our 
deep sorrow at the loss of Bill's mother. As we mourn her passing, we 
pause to reflect upon the life of Luella Hyatt Clay.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Clay was born in Black Jack and was the second of 
eight children. At the age of 5, the family moved to what is now St. 
Louis' Baden neighborhood because St. Louis County did not provide 
schools for black children. When she was 17, Mrs. Clay married Irving 
Charles Clay, Sr., a welder. They had seven children and were married 
56 years. Mr. Clay died in 1975.
  Throughout her life, Mrs. Clay was devoted to her family and church. 
She was affectionately known as ``Sis'' and loved by all who knew her. 
Mrs. Clay was one of the oldest members of St Nicholas Catholic Church, 
which she and her husband joined in the 1940's. She also was a member 
of the church's Ladies Sodality.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to Congressman Bill Clay, Mrs. Clay leaves 
to mourn he passing a son, St. Louis Alderman Irving C. Clay, Jr. She 
also leaves to mourn two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Lloyd and Flora 
Everett. In addition to her children, Mrs. Clay leaves behind 20 
grandchildren, including State Senator William Lacy Clay; 30 great-
grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Wife, Jay, joins me in expressing our condolences to Bill and 
Carol and other members of the Clay family. It is our hope that the 
family will find comfort in knowing that others share their sorrow. 
Mrs. Clay was a very special individual who touched the lives of many. 
She will always be remembered.

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