10/06/1949 . 06/10/2026

OBITUARY:

Clay Catron Johnson. Sr. was born on October 6, 1949, in Lexington, MS., to the late Henry Hooker Johnson and Clara Mae Williams Johnson. He was one of nine children born to this union. His siblings were Ezell, Teotha, Roosevelt, Marshall Earl “Sonny”, Joe Louis, Walter Henry, Doris Jean and Bishop Lee Jessie Johnson.

Clay received his early education at Lexington Attendance Center in Lexington, MS. He later attended Rust College in Holly Springs, MS where he met Wilda Lucretia Cameron. Their friendship blossomed into love and they were united in marriage in 1973. A proud veteran, Clay was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he received a medical discharge. Throughout his working years, he held various positions including employment with the U.S. Forestry Commission and J.H. Oliver in Grenada, MS.

At an early age, Clay accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R.V. Johnson. He later became an ordained deacon and faithfully served the Lord throughout his life. Blessed with a love for gospel music. Clay sang with several gospel groups, including the Original Friendly Echoes alongside Cleaster Randle and Claude “Bubba” Nichols of the Original Canton Spirituals.

His Christian faith extended far beyond the church walls. Clay devoted himself to missionary work; ministering to the sick and shut-in, visiting nursing homes, and encouraging those confined to their homes. He was widely known for his generous spirit, often providing advice, financial assistance, clothing, water and other necessities to those in need. His kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Later in life, Clay married Pamela Person. Together they continued serving the Lord and loving a life rooted in faith until his peaceful transition on June 10, 2026 at the VA Nursing Home in Kosciusko, MS.

Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Hooker Johnson and Clara Mae Williams Johnson; several brothers; several nieces and nephews; his daughter-in-law, Monique and his beloved daughter Doris.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Pamela Johnson; his children, Christopher Clay Robinson of Chicago, IL.; Clay C. Johnson Jr.(Salama) of Jackson, MS; Mary Ann Johnson of Brandon, MS; Wilburn “Domino” Smith of Jackson, MS; and Precious Person Redmond(Morreo) of Itta Bena, MS. He is also survived by his siblings, Joe Louis Johnson(Celeste) of Lexington, MS; Doris Jean Melton of Kosciusko, MS and Bishop Lee Jessie Johnson(Betty) of Aberdeen, MS; sisters-in-law Nancy Johnson of Lexington, MS and Denise of Detroit, MI.

Clay also leaves behind fifteen cherished grandchildren: Christopher Jr., Crystal, Bianca(Deshawn), Catherine(Ashley), Zharia, ZaMya, Zackary, Zyla, Chase Nicholson, Charles, Nichyla, Clay III, Mirrah, Pailynn, and John'Yanna. He was also blessed with five beloved great-grandchildren: Khalil, Korbyn, Justin “MalaKai” Zahir and Koi “Uchee”. he further leaves two beloved godchildren, Skylar Bullock and Elder Patrick Randle, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.