Marcella Clay

Marcella Clay, 80, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on November 18th, 2025.  She was born on June 17th, 1945, in Edinburg to her loving parents, Fred McKinnon and Mabel Holmes. Marcie grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the small-town warmth that shaped the gentle, giving woman she became.

Marcie devoted 28 years of service to the State of Illinois, where her steady work ethic and kind spirit touched many lives. Outside her career, she poured her time and heart into volunteer work. She faithfully served at the Blue Mound Food Pantry and gave countless hours to her church, The Way of Life Church, where she was a proud and committed member. Each Christmas, she made it a tradition to purchase blankets to donate—quiet acts of generosity that spoke to her deep compassion for others.

A woman of strong faith, Marcie was truly God-fearing and grounded in grace. She loved to travel and found joy in staying active, whether running outside in the fresh morning air or logging miles on her treadmill. Most of all, she cherished her family, her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed. They were her heart, her pride, and her greatest blessing.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Rhonda Clay Duncan and Ronnie Clay; her parents, Fred and Mabel McKinnon; and her siblings Robert McKinnon, Edward McKinnon, Phama Louise McKinnon and Edwina Hobbs.

Marcie leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Rachel Duncan of Taylorville, IL, and Kimberly Duncan of Springfield, IL; her great-grandchildren: John Thomas IV, Andrew Thomas, and Katelynn Thomas; and her great-great-grandchildren: Rylee Martin, Apollo Martin, Ares Martin, and Calum Morgason.

She is also survived by her siblings Fred (Fran) McKinnon of Taylorville, IL, Gary McKinnon of Taylorville, IL, and Carol Thomas of Taylorville, IL. Their memories with her will continue to bring comfort and smiles.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at Sutton Memorial Home from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place afterward at Edinburg Cemetery.

Marcie’s life was defined by kindness, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorials for Marcie Clay may be made to The Way of Life Church for mission trips.