Crystal Clay was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on June 20, 1948. She grew up in Corpus Christi and attended Corpus Christi High School which later became Miller High School.

Crystal accepted Christ at an early age and worshipped at Thompson Chapel Church of God In Christ.

She moved to Houston, Texas where she worked as a pastry chef until she became ill. She then returned to Corpus to be with her family.

Crystal was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and George Handson, and daughter Kesha Flournoy. She leaves to celebrate her life her daughter Melonie Shandy (Curtis), her son Robert Adams (Veronica), seven grandchildren, and sisters Nova Shields, and Darlene Graham.  Other family members include Ernest, Ernestine, Letha, Linda, Josie Tasby, and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.