Nelda Brown-Clay

Nelda Jean Brown-Clay, surname Nelda Jean Williams, was born in South Bend, Indiana on July 24, 1950, to parents, Everett A. Williams and Elsie L. (Smith) Williams. She was called home by God on December 15, 2024.

At a very young age, Nelda was diagnosed with Diabetes (amongst other health issues) and was told she would not live past seventeen years old. She was seventy-four years old at the time of her passing. She was a true Leo, a fighter.

Nelda Jean was the matriarch of her family and known for her unwavering love; starting with her children: Craig Williams, Cleveland Brown, Marvin (April) Brown, Glen Brown, Clevon (Tina) Brown, Darryl (Jackie) Brown, *Tonya Brown, and *Anthony (Claudia) Brown. Whether she was called "mama", "auntie", "granny", "Ms. Brown", "pretty sister", or "friend"- she extended the same amount of love when she answered. Nelda Jean was a member of St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church and was known for occasionally making homemade desserts for bake sales, her work in the Prison Missionary group, and for assisting with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School in the South Bend, Indiana Baptist Church community. Affectionately, she was also known and revered for always having "church" candy in her purse for her grandkids and reminding them that, "God don't like ugly, and he ain't too cray about pretty/cute."

In her personal time, Nelda Jean was a Bingo enthusiast, to say the least. She would often gather with her bingo crew and hit all the bingo halls in the city until she struck gold. In good fashion, Nelda was always willing to share her winnings with her squad. That's just the kind of woman she was. If she had some, you had some. If you didn't find her at bingo, you might try the infamous "Boat" in Michigan City (back in the day) or more recently, she and her husband, Henry Clay, would frequent the casino not too far from her home. If she could get you to play a hand of Tonk, you just might end up spending the night because you were going to stay for at least an hour or two...or three playing cards and talking about any and everything.

Of all the things Nelda Jean was, she was a protector and haven for all of those she encountered, but especially for her family and grandchildren. Her witty remarks, loving advice, charming eyes, hilarious and unique tone, love of Diet Pepsi, point of view, anecdotes, recollection of family history, warmness, and so many things, we have not yet comprehended - will be severely missed.

As we lay Nelda to rest today, we must know that she lived a full life and dedicated herself to her family. As she leaves behind her shell and blossoms into the next life, she is met at Heaven's gates by her parents and all her siblings: Everett and Elsie Williams (parents), Dellahoussaye (Madeline) Johnson, Everett Williams Jr., Andrew Williams, Elsie Lena (Leonard) Taylor and Robert Williams.

Nelda Jean Brown-Clay is survived by her husband, four sons and a host of grandchildren: Henry Clay (Husband); Craig Williams (Son) + (Children) Jasmine Williams, Tayah Williams, Sidney Griley, Krystle Lee; Cleveland Brown (Son) + (Children) Jamale Brown and Sierra Brown; Marvin (April) Brown, (Son and Daughter In-Law) + (Children) Jordan Brown, Deontoni Brown, Marvin Brown Jr., Cashmiera Brown, Alexis Brown, Imarrea Brown and Martarius Brown; Glen Brown (Son) + (Children) Timothy Hope, Ashley Brown, Teresa "PC" Brown-Donacien, Syndia Harris, *Tiara "Nookie" Lipsey, Glen Brown, Damonique Brown-Rodgers, Tyron Brown, Ambrosia Hill, Chantoria Mason Brown, Darrius Brown and Diamond Brown.

* Indicates deceased

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