Deacon Jessie Clay

Deacon Jessie Clay was born June 28, 1931, in Richland Parish at the home of Tom and Ida Flips.

He exited from his earthly home to his heavenly home on December 15, 2024, at the Deerfield Nursing & Rehab Center.

Mr. Jessie accepted church at an early age at the Palestine Baptist Church under the leadership of H.P. Donaldson, Sr. Mr. Jessie was an usher for many years, then later crowned as a Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Emanuel Jones, Sr., and later under the leadership of Reverend Mildred Carter, he served faithfully until his health began to fail.

Mr. Jessie was affectionately known to his children as “Daddy”, to his grands and great-grands as “Papa”, and to his many friends as Mr. Jessie. He was loved by many and could always give good words of wisdom and advice. He loved all of his family and friends.

Mr. Jessie was preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Ann Gettes; father, William Clay; brothers, Dorsey Williams and Johnny Williams; and sisters, Naomi and Shelly Clay.

Mr. Jessie leaves to cherish his memories: seven daughters, Johnnie Richards (J.L.), Erma Rose, Carrie Baker, Joan Green, Hattie Ann Lovick, all of Houston, Texas, Linda Killion (Calvin) of St. Martinville, Louisiana, Kathy Dean of Delhi, Louisiana; five sons, Jeffery Clay (Linda), Leotis Clay (Earlean), Rickey Clay (Rosalyn) of Delhi, Louisiana, Tyrone Smith of Pioneer, Louisiana; four sisters, Lorie Lewis of Delhi, Louisiana, Diana Robertson (Phillip) of White Plains, Maryland, Mary Boston of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Katlene Steven (William) of Larham, Maryland; four brothers, Donnie Clark, Willie Clay of Temple Hills, Maryland, Sidney Boukins (Shelly) of Quincy, Florida, Clarence Clay of Delhi, Louisiana; 37 grandchildren; and a host of grands, great-grands, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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