Anne Stevens Carlton Clay

Anne Stevens Carlton Clay died on June 11, 2019, ten days before her 89th birthday. Gifted with a disarming and quick sense of humor, Mrs. Clay was born to Ruth H. And William E. Stevens on June 21, 1930 in Lenoir, North Carolina. Her childhood nickname was “Sunny” and she carried her vivacity with her through her last illness. Anne graduated from Lenoir High School in 1948 and Converse College in 1952. After graduation, she lived and worked in New York City with her sister, Betty Linney, and served as a tour guide for Rockefeller Center. She considered herself very fortunate to have married two wonderful husbands, Graham Carlton, Sr., from 1954 until his death in 1986, and David S. Clay, from 1999 until 2019. During her first marriage, she and Graham raised their family and she held numerous leadership positions at the First Baptist Church and in local Republican politics. She and Graham met on opposite sides of the political fence and had a successful marriage despite their political differences. In 1975, Anne started working as an office manager for her husband's law office and continued in this capacity for her son, working more than 25 years. After her retirement, she and Dave enjoyed many travels inside and outside the United States. We will remember her for her sense of fun, her genuineness, her sassiness, her independent spirit and her optimism, which she shared with her beloved Dave. Together, she and Dave had a gift for cultivating new friendships while nurturing old friendships which they treasured. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, William E. Stevens, Jr. and Rev. Charles F. Stevens, as well as her sister, Elizabeth S. Linney. She is survived by her husband, David S. Clay, who was a loving and outstanding caregiver for her. Anne is also survived by her children: Carole Brooke (Tom), of China Grove, NC, Graham Carlton, Jr. (Susan) of Salisbury, NC and Anne Finley Carlton, of Charlotte, NC. Her grandchildren are Richard Brooke (Brittany) and Maxwell Brooke (Meghan) of Charlotte, NC, Sarah Lynn Carlton of Wilmington, NC, and Graham M. Carlton, III "Trey" of Salisbury, NC. Anne is also survived by her step children: Colin Walker (Ray) and Julia Newsom (Eddie) of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Louise Clay of Charleston SC and Ginny Young (Rob) of Greensboro, NC, as well as eight step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Clay's memorial service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian of Salisbury, North Carolina with Rev. Randy Kirby officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity or church of the donor's choice. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Carlton and Clay family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Anne Stevens Carlton Clay

June 21, 1930 - June 11, 2019