Carrie L. Clay

Carrie Lee Clay was born on March 30,1950 to the union of Okredus and James Pritchett in Kennsett, Arkansas. Carrie moved to Milwaukee from Arkansas in 1955, at the tender age of five years old. She instantly fell in love with the city. She received her formal education in Milwaukee Public Schools where she met many lifelong friends. 

In the early 1970’s, Carrie set out to start a career in the Nursing Industry and began taking classes at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She prided herself on her health and wellness. Some may say she was overly healthy and even somewhat of a neat freak. But that was Carrie; she was extremely organized and “clean as the board of health”, as she would say. Carrie was always prompt and polished. She was hardly ever late.

Carrie was a devoted mother of her three girls, Martina, Lashon, and Tomeca. And she was an amazing mom. In the girl’s younger years, she often spent time at their schools. Everyone in the neighborhood and at the schools knew Carrie Clay and the “Clay Sisters”

Over the years, Carrie increased her passion for serving others. She decided to utilize the skills that she learned in trade school and begin her career as a Nurse’s Aide, which she maintained for decades. She eventually left the medical industry and entered a position as a customer service representative at Jewel-Osco, which later became CVS Pharmacy. Carrie was happily employed there for over 16 years, until she retired.

Carrie (Nana) was a compassionate, God-fearing woman. She loved to send scriptures to her friends via text, notes, or greeting cards. She enjoyed spending time with her family and close friends. Later in life, she often watched The Lifetime Network, Tubi Movies, and Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” Series.

Carrie was also extremely beautiful, stylish, enjoyed decorating her home, and shopping at the thrift stores.. She was also a giving person who was respected by many. Carrie was a phenomenal woman and will be sincerely missed.

August 9, 2025, Carrie Clay departed this life. She was preceded in death by her mother, Okredus Mack and step-father Zemus Mack, her brothers Reverend Clinton Washington (Mary), Emile Stone, Jimmy Pettis, James Pritchett, Jr, and her sister in laws’ Joyce Fenceroy, Voncille Spearse, and her sister-cousin Beverly Pittman.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her daughters: Martina Clay, Lashon Johnson, and Tomeca Thornton (James).

Her grandchildren: The late Thaddius Johnson, Jr, Jevonta Johnson (Dawn), Bayshon Johnson, Corey Basey, Martia Basey, Myiah Mckinney, Martina Basey, Christina Taylor, Myzel Arbuckle, Sincere Stoney Clay, and Lyric Perry Thornton

Her great-grandchildren: Jevonta Johnson, Jr., Corrina Basey, Aubryon Crawford, Brooklan, Mi’yona, and Damir Johnson, Trince Thomas, Jr, Autumn and Wynter Basey, Anyiah Murphy, Traya Taylor, Admire Taylor, Magic and Knowledge Taylor Rice, and Madisyn and Mulani Arbuckle. And a host of family and friends.

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