Emma “Coot” Clay

Emma “Coot” Clay of Rockford, Illinois, gained her wings on November 26, 2024. She was born on February 5, 1935, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, to Willie and Lillie Graham.

Emma attended school in Mississippi before moving to Rockford. She married Cornelius Clay and was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family dearly. Emma always put her children and grandchildren before herself, giving them her time, love, and unwavering support.

Emma was an avid card player and a skilled gambler, enjoying countless games with her close friends. She was known for her lively spirit and generous heart.

Emma leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Tammy Clay Tidwell (Odell); five sisters: Annie Williams (California), Fannie Mitchell (Rockford), and two sisters of Decatur, Illinois; five brothers: Joe Louis Graham (Rockford), Bobby Graham, Raphael Graham (Pamela) of (Decatur), Charles Graham (Chicago), and Willie Graham (Sandra) of (Minnesota). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved bonus sons, Bobby & Tony Dupree.

She held dear many special friends, including Chuckie Richardson; Merline Love, Dorothy Hurd, Maxine Holland, Cathy Pierce, Margaret Singletary, and Ella Maxey, were her card-playing crew.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Cornelius Clay, and her children: Curtis Williams, Cornelius Clay, Joe Lewis Clay, Allen Clay, Barbara Ann Clay, Diane Clay, Angela Clay, Carolyn Clay, and Shinette Clay. She was also preceded by her siblings Josephine Ellis-Gaines, Louise Lourdmilk, Eleanor Williams, Dorothy Nevells, Mary Graham, and RC Graham, as well as one grandchild and one great-grandchild.

Emma’s love, kindness, and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

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