Vickie Lynn Clay

Vickie Lynn Clay, daughter of Annie Ruth Jones Clay and the late Melvin E. Clay was born June 8, 1967. She was called from this earth to his eternal home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2004, at the age of 37.She was baptized by Rev. Glenn Edwards under the fellowship at Fifth Street Baptist Church during the pastorate of Rev. Roscoe Cooper, Jr. She grew up in a spiritual family and accepted the Lord at an early age.In 1970, Vickie became the first African American March of Dimes Poster Child for the State of Virginia. She was featured on several television programs with Governor Mills E. Goodwin Jr. And Councilman David L. Shepardson. Vickie had met with Governors John Dalton and L. Douglas Wilder. She received a token of appreciation, and was the guest of honor at the March of Dimes Annual Dinner Meeting and was presented with a solid gold necklace for her many public appearances for representing the State of Virginia. Vickie has appeared on various Easter Seals Telethons and was dedicated to campaigning for birth defects. She was the youngest citizen to have an appointment with Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr.Vickie received her early education in Richmond and graduated from John Marshall Walker High School, class of 1987. She was a member of the Future Homemakers of America, Video Journalism Club and the Catering Club. She received a scholarship from Best Products for outstanding high school service to began her college education at J. Sargarent Reynolds Community College. She had many awards, which included: Outstanding Service to the Library: Faithful Service to Kingdom Village African American Christian School; Health Care Ministry Certificate of Appreciation and Certificate of Participation to the First Annual Prayer Conference and other special letters from Phi Delta Theta Fraternity for participating at the March of Dimes Day.She was employed with Virginia One Church, One Child and worked with the Partners for Enhancing Adoption Connections and Effectiveness Program as an office assistant. Four years previously, she was employed by the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Vickie, Jewel, as she was affectionately called by her family, was truly a unique person. She was a loving, kindhearted, self-sacrificing, one of a kind, miraculous woman who remains a symbol of courage and strength. She was a lover of family, a stalwart friend, a positive thinker and a joy to all who knew her. She demonstrated a special love for her mom and sisters. She enjoyed cooking, reading, music, arts and crafts and was a true master on the computer. Surviving to cherish her memory and passing, yet to rejoice in her triumph is her faithful, devoted and loving mother, Annie Ruth Jones Clay; sisters, Florence Jacqueline Jones Wilson and Synthia Vanessa Jones Turner; one uncle and aunt, Charles Joseph Jones and Lois Jackson, both of Washington, DC; devoted aunt and godmother, Mamie L. Goins; three nieces, Donna M. Wilson, Shenae Cook and Lynette Beavers; two nephews, Donald Wilson Jr., and Errick Kent; great nieces, Porecha, DeBreona, Zenobia, Pilar-Monaai, and Ali Ana, great nephews, Deja Ron, Jai’Von, Ji’Haun, Ali, Christopher and Trevon; brother-in-law, Donald M. Wilson, Sr.; a host of cousins and devoted friends, especially Bessetta Parker, Loretta Odgen, Germaine Evans, Alexis Cooper, Dorean McCray, Jamikia McCray, Lisa Mason, Denise Dunlap, Valena Gelson and Pat Lighting.

Tributes

Vickie Lynn Clay

June 8, 1967 - October 24, 2004