A Mother of Faith and Strength: Interview with Mississippi's Linda Lankston Clay
by LaShawna Fant
From the Editor: Dr. LaShawna Fant, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi, has a knack for identifying people whom we should come to know because they have interesting or inspiring thoughts to share. Her Mother’s Day gift to Monitor readers is this interview with a blind mom who has experienced more than her share of trials but retained her capacity for faith, gratitude, love, and a willingness to give to others. Here is her story as told to Dr. Fant:
LaShawna Fant: I am so grateful for this opportunity to interview you. You are a very strong lady. Please introduce yourself to members of our National Federation of the Blind family.
Linda Clay: My name is Linda Lankston Clay. I was born in Silver City, Mississippi, to the late Richard and Annie B. Williams. Out of four kids, I was the baby of the bunch. In 1973, after my father died, I moved to Louise, Mississippi, with my sister Emma Session, and she died in 1977. In 1979, I moved to Chicago, Illinois, where I had my first son, Roderick. In January of 1980, the following year, I married his father, Eddie, and two more kids were born named Tytes and Nina.
LF: How long have you been a member of our organization, and what motivated you to join?
LC: In 2009, while at a funeral in Louise, Mississippi, I came in contact with the late Katie and Charles Evans. I was then invited to attend a state convention in Grenada, Mississippi. While at the convention, I saw a few people I already knew, and a couple of them were Barbara Hadnott and Kendrick Kennedy. The next month, Audrey Mays, the late Margaret Birrages, and I went to the Jackson Chapter meeting and then joined. Since then, I have been a chapter board member and vice president, and I am currently holding the position of the first vice president of the Jackson Chapter.
LF: Please let the readers know about your journey being a mother.
LC: In September 1979, my first child, Roderick, was born. All I wanted was to count all toes and fingers to make sure he had them. In August of 1981, our stubborn son Tytes came into the world. In 1983, during the hot summer, our "attitude-giver" made her entrance into the world. I was so blessed and happy to finally have a baby girl. Throughout the years, my lowest point started in May 2001 when my son Tytes died. That's when I really started leaning and depending on God. In July 2006, my husband Eddie died of a massive heart attack. I kept my faith in God. In August of 2008, my son Roderick was killed. At that point, I knew God had made no mistakes. Lord knows it was hard dealing with the fact that all the males in my life were gone. Those were the lowest points in my life, but God made a way. In 2016, God saw fit for me to find love again, and I married my current husband, Anthony Clay.
LF: What are a couple of memories as a mother you will always hold close to your heart?
LC: My memories as a mother are so priceless! I remember the day my three kids joined the church and were baptized. My kids gave their life to Christ during that time, and I was overjoyed! Having the memories of driving my kids and nephews up and down the dirt road we stayed on just warms my heart. Even though they knew I could barely see, they still let me drive them. I was also very proud to watch my kids grow up and witness all three graduate from high school, which I never got to do. One last precious memory is when my grandchildren were born. My late husband Eddie got the opportunity to meet our grandson Lazarious, who he called his "good fellow." Later came more grandchildren named Roderick Jr., Edwin, Raniyah, and Frank.
LF: As a blind mother, how did you juggle things with raising your children?
LC: The challenge of being a mother and blind was hard and very challenging, especially after my kids realized their mother couldn't see like everyone else around us. I was born totally blind in one eye and with glaucoma in the other eye. In later years, I had scar tissue and a detached retina. The little vision I had faded away. When I helped the kids with schoolwork, I always used a black Sharpie to help them learn their ABCs and 1-2-3s. Their dad would help match their clothes so they wouldn't be teased at school. I always had things organized and put in certain locations so I could cook and do everyday tasks, hobbies, and chores. My mother-in-law, Mrs. Lille, was the best at helping and taking me to town. After the kids got older, they began to take on the responsibility of helping and assisting me.
LF: What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?
LC: My family activities include attending church, shopping, family kickbacks, card games, barbecues, casinos, and going to the movies with my best friend Bonita. She would always explain everything that was going on in full detail.
LF: You are a big giver. What are some of your favorite things as we reflect on you?
LC: My favorite colors are black and gold, and my favorite food is seafood. I love crab legs the most. My favorite singers, to name a few, are Betty Wright, Pokey Bear, Tucka, and the Canton Spirituals, which is a gospel group.
LF: What would you like to say to encourage a blind mother who may be reading this article?
LC: I would say keep your faith in God. I would tell anyone to pray and lean on God's unchanging hands. I would tell them never to say never and never to say can't. Because you never know what you can do until you do it.
LF: Do you have any final words to leave with the readers?
LC: I would encourage anyone to never settle for the bare minimum. Always push yourself to exceed expectations in life. Stay positive and always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know. I would encourage them never to give up.