Carol Ann Johnson Clay passes at 89

Carol Ann Clay, the matriarch of one of St. Louis’ most prominent and historic African American families, has died at her home in suburban Washington, DC.

Carol Clay, a native of St. Louis, MO, was born to Helen Kelley and Jerald Johnson on November 6, 1935. Carol attended Rosati-Kain Academy and graduated from Sumner High School in the historic Ville Neighborhood in 1953.

Later that year, Carol married the love of her life, Bill Clay. They were devoted life partners for 71-years. She was a loving and devoted mother to Vicki, Lacy and Michelle. She was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

Carol Clay’s entire adult life was filled with family, friends and politics. During the height of the civil rights movement, she stood shoulder to shoulder in support of her husband as he led the historic Jefferson Bank protests in St. Louis.

The fight to establish social and economic justice for minorities, women, the poor and workers was the central force driving and shaping their efforts for seven decades. 

In 1976, she co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Organization. In 1988 the Spouses established the CBC Spouses Scholarship Fund program to provide tuition assistance to college students which has assisted in educating thousands of young people. 

In 1955, as Bill was completing his service in the U.S. Army, the couple lived in Alabama. One hot summer day, it was Carol who forced the integration of the base swimming pool at Fort McClellan.

In the early days of their marriage, Carol put in her time and charm to make the “Glow Worm,” the tavern that she and Bill owned, a successful business and a beloved community gathering place.

When Bill Clay became the first African American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri in 1968, Carol answered the call to serve too, providing her husband with unwavering strength and support as their young family moved to Washington, DC.

In addition to their advocacy for workers’ rights, voting rights and economic inclusion, Congressman and Mrs. Clay traveled the world, meeting heads of state and two popes.

Carol called herself the domestic engineer of the house, was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining guests. Carol earned a Ph.D. in life and shared with her kids and grandkids the importance of treating people with respect and also

demanding that same respect from others.

In 1976, she co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Organization. In 1988 the Spouses established the CBC Spouses Scholarship Fund program to provide tuition assistance to college students which has assisted in educating thousands of young people. 

Carol was also a co-founder of the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund for which she played a leadership role in raising the funding and served on the board of directors.

She was a lifelong learner, an amazing woman filled with class, culture, kindness and the honesty that was true and just.

She is survived by her husband, former Congressman William L. Clay, Sr.; children Vicki (Michael Jackson); Lacy (Patricia); Michelle (Henry Rorie). She was beloved by five grandchildren: Angela Thomas (Juan); Michael Alexis; H. Clay Rorie; Carol Bennett (Lance) and William Clay, III; as well as two great grandchildren, Ryan and Anthony Alexis, III. She was also loved by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Carol Clay faced her final illness with uncommon courage, dignity and faith…returning her spirit to her God on February 16, 2025. She was a true woman of valor whose legacy will continue to inspire her family, friends and all who loved her.

Memorial events are pending in both St. Louis, Missouri and Washington, DC.

Contributions to honor the memory of Carol Ann Clay are appreciated to the William L. Clay, Sr. Institute of Civic Engagement and Economic Justice at Saint

Louis University: https://qrco.de/ClayMemorial.

Carol Ann Clay’s obituary was provided to the St. Louis American by the Clay family.