Constance Maria Clay, the third of four daughters, was born to William and Ethel Hargis, on April 15, 1951, in Huntington, West Virginia.

After her parents moved to Chicago in 1953, Constance spent her early childhood in Altgeld Gardens on the far south side of Chicago. She attended George Washington Carver Elementary and High School, graduating with honors in 1969.

With a strong desire to continue her education, (instilled in her by both her parents) Constance enrolled in Ohio Wesleyan University to pursue a degree in Spanish in order to pursue her dream of being an interpreter. After two years, she returned to Chicago and married Robert Clay. From their union were born two sons, Kwane and Manu Clay, the joys of her life.

After pursuing a career as a Senior Insurance Administrator with Aetna Life and Casualty, 1975-1991 and AnCorp/Union Fidelity, 1993-1995, Constance decided to return to school and obtained her Bachelor of Art degree in Environmental Public Policy from DePaul University in 2000 and her (M.P.P.) degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 2002.

It was her concern about the safety of our environment that pushed Constance in pursuing a career as a "Resource Specialist" for Save the Dunes in Michigan City, Indiana. This agency is known for their relentless work in preserving, protecting, and restoring the Indiana Dunes from the negative impacts of human land use and pollution. Constance played an important role in pushing those goals during her tenure with the agency.

Upon completion of her position as a Resource Specialist, Constance chose to remain in Michigan City with her long-time partner, Paul Hardin. She became a math teacher for the Michigan City Public School System and held that position until illness forced her to retire in 2013.

Constance was preceded in death by her loving parents and younger sister, Yvonne Allen. She leaves to cherish her memory: her long-term partner, Paul Hardin; her sons, Kwane Ali Clay (Rachel Ford) and Manu Ayinde Clay (Elizabeth) of Chicago; her two sisters, Fayetta Mack (Nigel) of Chicago and Bonnita Hargis of Raleigh, NC; her grandchildren, Omari Clay, Khaalid Clay, Hadiya Clay, Kennedy Clay, and Laila Clay. In addition, the love and admiration from her nephews Raymond Allen. Daniel Hargis and Bilal Hall; a host of family, friends, and colleagues.