Catherine A. Clay
Published June 2, 2026
Quincy, IL
MAR. 7, 1930 – MAY 29, 2026
Catherine A. Clay, age 96 years, of Quincy, IL, passed away on Friday morning, May 29, 2026.
Funeral services will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, June 6th.
Visitation celebrating Catherine will be at 10:00, service at 11:00, interment at Grandview Burial Park following service.
Catherine was born on March 7, 1930, in Hannibal, Missouri the daughter of Lloyd Engle Sr. and Gertrude Toalson Engle.
She was united in marriage to Howard E. Clay on January 23,1948 in Hannibal, Missouri.
Survivors include, son Tim Clay and wife Judy of Smithton, IL, Daughters Rebecca Clay of Guyton, GA, Cindy Craven and husband Ron of Hannibal MO, Susan Snow and husband Larry of Novinger, Mo, Carol Clay-Mann of Quincy IL and son Tom Clay and wife Dondi of Memphis, MO.
Survivors also include 12 Grandchildren and 18 Great grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 10 step-great grandchildren and 9 step-great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Howard; her siblings Lloyd Engle Jr., Gene Engle, Dorothy Albrecht, and Lois Meyer; infant daughter, Christine; granddaughter Gretchen Hayes and step-granddaughter Elizabeth Buening.
Catherine was a member of the Class of 1948 of Hannibal High School. She was a homemaker, a very accomplished seamstress who loved to create beautiful clothing, cook for her family and others and redecorate her home.
In high school years she worked for Klines Dept. Store as the manager of the Junior Clothing Dept. She later worked for the Singer Sewing Company and then moved on to being the Cafeteria Manager of Stowell School, for the Hannibal Public school for 15 years, feeding many students and staff over the years.
She was a past member of Park United Methodist Church in Hannibal. Member and past President of the Oakwood Women’s Club. Member and past President of the Oakwood Elementary School PTA.
Honorary Pallbearers will be her children and their spouses.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blessing Hospital Hospice, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.
Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Catherine memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com