Carla Crosby McClelland

Carla Crosby McClelland passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on December 15, 2020 at her home in Baton Rouge after a long and courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “Well done good and faithful servant” was certainly His welcome. She was born on February 20, 1951 in New Orleans, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Crosby, Jr. Her family home was in DeRidder, Louisiana, Beauregard Parish. She attended high school in Dallas, graduating from the Hockaday School. Her college years were spent in Nashville, Tennessee, graduating from Vanderbilt with a major in Mathematics and a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1974 she married Dr. John S. McClelland of Atlanta, and they moved to Baton Rouge in 1983. They raised three children, and she quickly become involved in the community. She put her strong Christian faith to work by service to First Presbyterian Church, where she taught children’s Sunday school and assisted in the development of new educational and confirmation programs. She was one of the first board members of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation and also served on the Board of Directors of Episcopal High School. Carla was involved for seventeen years with Bible Study Fellowship women’s program, serving in various leadership roles and ultimately serving as Teaching Leader for the last six years. She gave a weekly lecture to an audience of approximately 400 women from across the city, as well as organized small group discussion sessions. One of her greatest joys was sharing the goodness of God’s Word with others. She loved the ocean and a beautiful beach on a sunny day. She could sit for hours reading and watching the waves and her children. She was a daughter of Louisiana and an enthusiastic LSU sports fan. We remember occasions at home watching events when she would start ironing clothes in an effort to relieve her tension when watching a close football game. She was a Southern lady in every sense of the word. The bonds of faith and family were her very fiber. She lovingly gave them all she had, and by watching her we have learned their true significance. We will miss her always but feel great comfort knowing she is with her Lord Jesus who has restored her clear and beautiful mind. The unfading beauty of her gentle and quiet spirit remains with us forever. She will live on in the loving hearts of her husband of 46 years, Dr. John Spence McClelland, her children, Spence McClelland, Elizabeth McClelland Boone and Sarah McClelland DeHay, her ten adoring grandchildren and her siblings, Betty Bergin, Lillian Maurin, and Robert Crosby, III. We rejoice that she is now reunited with her loving parents, Robert and Elizabeth Crosby. We anticipate with joy the day that we will see her again and celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness with her in His eternal kingdom. The family would like to extend deep gratitude to Lauren Coco, Amanda Coleman, Lakeisha Williams and Pat Daigle for their loving care over many years. We are also thankful for the service and care of St. Joseph Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Carla to Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area (3772 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806). Their services were a great help and comfort during these difficult years. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 18th, at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, and will also be available on the church website.