Crystal Dawn Clay

Crystal Dawn Clay, age 46, passed away on June 1, 2025 in Richmond Hill, Georgia.

Crystal was born on April 21, 1979, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, the daughter of William Martin Mackey and Mary Diana Liles (Clay).

Crystal graduated from Logan High School in 1997, then went on to attend New Mexico Military Institute. She continued her education at the University of New Mexico, earning a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2006. She graduated as valedictorian at NMMI and was a member of numerous organizations and merit-based societies throughout her academic journey.

On December 21, 2001, Crystal married Carlos Arthur Cárdenas in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. They shared 18 years of marriage and raised their two sons, Joshua Carlos Cárdenas and Cole Arthur Cárdenas, who were the center of Crystal’s life.

Crystal built a dedicated career as a pharmacist, working for Walgreens Pharmacy, Raley’s Pharmacy, Albertsons Pharmacy, and the United States Department of Defense. She especially valued the relationships she formed with her customers, particularly during her 16 years at Albertsons. Crystal was deeply passionate about helping others through her work.

Crystal loved to travel and cherished every moment spent exploring the world with her twin boys. Everything she did was for her children — they were her entire world. She will be remembered for her hardworking spirit, determination, and boundless love.

Remaining to cherish Crystal’s memory are Carlos, her children, Joshua and Cole, her mother, Mary (Jimmy), her brothers, Casey and Kolby (Ashlea), her sister, Michele, her grandmother, Dolores, her aunts Dana (Alan) and Danelle (Leland), multiple nieces and nephews, cousins, and her closest friends, Blaire (Andy), Tiare (Isaac), and Bri (Aaron).

Preceding Crystal in death are her father, William, her grandfathers Dan and Gerry, her great aunt Merle, her grandmother Lorraine, her aunt Mary Anne, and her great uncle Scott.

A funeral service will be held on June 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM, at French Funeral Home, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109.