Clay passed away Tuesday, June 4 at his home in Gary, Ind. after battling prostate cancer. He was 77.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 11 at the Genesis Convention Center located in downtown Gary at 5th Avenue and Broadway. The public is invited to pay respects from 10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. Photo taking and videotaping of the body is strictly prohibited.
A memorial service will take place from 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. During this time, family members, clergy and several elected officials will share fond memories and pay tribute to Mayor Clay. The public and media are welcome to attend this service.
The funeral for Mayor Clay will take place Wednesday, June 12 at the Genesis Convention Center at 11:00a.m.
In addition to Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Judge Greg Mathis are scheduled to give remarks. The eulogy will be delivered by the Reverend Dr. Essie Clark-George, Presiding Elder of Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The public is invited to attend; however, due to the large crowd expectation, early arrival is encouraged.
At the conclusion of the funeral, the procession to Ridgelawn Cemetery is as follows: Leave Genesis Center and travel south on Broadway to 25th Avenue; turn west on 25th Avenue and travel to Chase Street; turn north on Chase Street and travel to 15th Avenue; turn west on 15th Avenue and travel to Burr Street (there may be a brief pause at 15th and Whitcomb, the home of Mayor Clay); turn south on Burr Street to Ridge Road; turn west on Ridge Road and travel to Ridgelawn Cemetery.
The family of Mayor Clay and dignitaries will park in the main parking lot of the Genesis Center and the parking lot of the Post Office located directly across the street from the Genesis Center on 5th Avenue.
The general public may park in the Genesis Center Parking garage, Adams St. between 4th & 5th Avenues, the Hudson & Campbell Fitness Center Parking Lot (5th & Mass.), Broadway south of 5th Avenue, and the Main Branch Library rear parking lot. The Gary Police Department will be on site to assist with directing attendees. Those who intend to be a part of the procession to the cemetery are encouraged to park on Adams St. or in the library parking lot.
