Marie Hall McClelland

Marie McClelland, age 82, of Alpharetta passed away June 6, 2009. She was born Marie Hall on January 17th, 1927 in Bonita, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Henry Hall and Thara V. Hall. Marie grew up in a small suburb of Meridian, Mississippi, the third born of eight children. Marie was a good student who loved math. Marie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the St. Peters United Methodist Church in Marion, Mississippi. As a young woman Marie lived with and helped to take care of her family while continuing to work in the Meridian area. In the late 1950’s Marie travelled to Chicago, Illinois to help care for her ailing sister Mary (Bess). It was in Chicago that Marie met her late husband William McClelland whom we call Bill. Marie and Bill moved to Compton, California in the early 1960’s. While living in Compton, the Lord blessed them with a son, Ronald Lee McClelland. After her husband, Bill, passed away in September of 1975, Marie continued to live in Southern California working at a local day care center.In pursuit of a slower pace of life and more career options as a Commercial Artist, Marie’s son, Ronald moved the family, Marie and his wife Valeria to Atlanta, Georgia in July of 2000. The family soon joined First Baptist Church Atlanta ministered by Pastor Dr. Charles Stanley where they continue to be members in good standing. On July 8, 2003 the Lord blessed Marie with a grandson, Ronald Lee McClelland Jr.Marie loved to attend her church, enjoyed fellowshipping with her Sunday School Class and was an active member of the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Center. At the Senior Center Marie enjoyed doing arts and crafts, exercising, socializing with friends, and taking field trips. Marie also participated in the North Fulton Golden Games and won several medals. In the latter years of Marie’s life, she suffered from illnesses due to the complications of glaucoma. Gradually Marie began to lose her eyesight but still remained an avid walker before losing her vision entirely. In October of 2006, Marie was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The operation was successful due to an excellent surgeon, Dr. Deisch, and the nurses and staff of North Fulton General Hospital. After many weeks of rehabilitation, a determined Marie bounced back and continued to attend her Church, Sunday School Class and the Senior Center. Unfortunately in March of 2009 Marie was diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive brain tumor. And on Saturday June the 6th of this year, God called Marie home. Those of us left behind who will cherish the memory of Marie McClelland are: her son, Ronald and his wife, Valeria and Marie’s grandson, Ron Jr., Marie’s sister Catherine, their brother, Robert and his wife, Queenie, a younger brother, Albert and his wife, Mary, and the youngest brother, Charles and his wife, Hazel. Marie leaves a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews along with great grand and great-great grand relatives and many dear friends to mourn her passing. Marie’s parents, husband, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death. Marie was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 11:00am at Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. Flowers may be sent to the Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory. Thanks to the many caregivers (Center for the Visually Impaired, Dorothy C. Benson Adult Day Care Center, and Roswell & Rehabilitation Nursing Home) who treated Marie with love, patience and respect.