Evelyn Blanks Clay Evelyn Blanks Clay, 97-years-old, a lifelong resident of Collinsville died at 11:15 p.m., January 14, 2013, at Golden Living Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at Collinsville United Methodist Church on Friday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery, with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Clay was born June 1, 1915 to Irma and Marvin Blanks. A graduate of Collinsville High School and The University of Southern Mississippi, she was a well-known and beloved retired English teacher. Her former students, her friends and family will remember her for her quick wit, her love of reading and for her talent as a gifted writer and poet. A long time member and officer of her local garden club, she loved flowers, and until ill health prevented, was known in the community for her knowledge and love of plants and for her eye stopping spring gardens. Following her retirement from teaching, she, also, especially enjoyed her work with "America First Tours" and the many friends she met while traveling with them. Mrs. Clay was a devoted member of Collinsville Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and served on a number of church committees. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar C. Clay; her parents; and one sister Rosalyn McPhail; two brothers Marvin Blanks and Edwin Blanks. She is survived by her children, Dr. John Clay and his wife Beth of Meridian and Dan Clay and his wife Susan of Bailey; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A special "thank you" is extended to her special friend Dorothy Neal, her roommate for four years. Memorials may be made to Collinsville United Methodist Church, 9114 Church Road, Collinsville, MS 39325.
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