Official Obituary of
Laverne Wilkes McClellan
November 3, 1927 ~ January 11, 2020 (age 92) 92 Years Old
Laverne McClellan Obituary
Mrs. LaVerne Wilkes McClellan died peacefully at home in Marietta, GA in the early hours of Saturday,January 11, 2020 at the age of 92. She was deeply loved by her friends and family and will be missed by all.
She is survived by her children Linda Hardenbrook (Bret), Atlanta, GA and Lamar McClellan (Sandi), Columbus, GA; siblings Jacqueline Crot, Niceville, FL and Buddy Wilkes (Diane), Niceville, FL; grandchildren Gina Yancey (Rich), Marietta, GA, Ellan Deinlein (Donald), Birmingham, AL, Karen Lee McLaney (Mike), Slidell, LA, Jennifer Talley, Auburn, AL, and Rodney Campbell (Tammy) Smiths, AL; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Lex P. McClellan, and siblings Alvin C. Wilkes, William T. Wilkes, Dottie Wilkes Gunter, Jerry B. Wilkes, and Kathy Wilkes Gott.
LaVerne was born on November 3, 1927 in Columbus, GA to William Jennings Bryan Wilkes, Sr. and Katie Rhodes Wilkes. As a tenth grader during WWII her family moved to Brunswick, GA where she worked as a welder in Jones Shipyard building Liberty ships for the war effort, one of the millions of "Rosie the Riveters" who proudly contributed to the war effort at home while the war was being fought overseas. Her story, written by her, is chronicled in a book about Rosie the Riveters. It was during this time that she developed a strong patriotism which she exhibited throughout her life.
One of LaVerne's major accomplishments was that she, in her 40s, went to Columbus State University Nursing School, graduating at the top of her class as an RN.
After several years of travel related to Lex's Navy career the family returned to the Phenix City/Columbus area where they lived most of their lives. LaVerne and Lex were active and dedicated members of Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church for many years.
Her interests included writing poetry and short stories, quilting and raising roses. Friends were often surprised by a bouquet freshly cut from her garden. Watching sports (Braves, NASCAR, college football, and golf) was another of her favorite activities. She was an avid fan of Auburn University, the alma mater of both her children. She was, however, most happy when on special occasions she was surrounded by family and loved ones.
A memorial service is planned for 3:00 Sunday January 19th at the chapel at McMullen Funeral Home located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA. Pastor Mitchell Dean of Resurrect Church of Opelika, AL will officiate the ceremony. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or your local Hospice. Condolences and fond memories can be posted at mcmullenfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the Yanceys - Gina, Rich, Anna, Alan, and Adam - for providing loving care in their home during LaVerne's final years, and Wellstar Community Hospice of Atlanta for the compassionate care they provided in her final days.
She is survived by her children Linda Hardenbrook (Bret), Atlanta, GA and Lamar McClellan (Sandi), Columbus, GA; siblings Jacqueline Crot, Niceville, FL and Buddy Wilkes (Diane), Niceville, FL; grandchildren Gina Yancey (Rich), Marietta, GA, Ellan Deinlein (Donald), Birmingham, AL, Karen Lee McLaney (Mike), Slidell, LA, Jennifer Talley, Auburn, AL, and Rodney Campbell (Tammy) Smiths, AL; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Lex P. McClellan, and siblings Alvin C. Wilkes, William T. Wilkes, Dottie Wilkes Gunter, Jerry B. Wilkes, and Kathy Wilkes Gott.
LaVerne was born on November 3, 1927 in Columbus, GA to William Jennings Bryan Wilkes, Sr. and Katie Rhodes Wilkes. As a tenth grader during WWII her family moved to Brunswick, GA where she worked as a welder in Jones Shipyard building Liberty ships for the war effort, one of the millions of "Rosie the Riveters" who proudly contributed to the war effort at home while the war was being fought overseas. Her story, written by her, is chronicled in a book about Rosie the Riveters. It was during this time that she developed a strong patriotism which she exhibited throughout her life.
One of LaVerne's major accomplishments was that she, in her 40s, went to Columbus State University Nursing School, graduating at the top of her class as an RN.
After several years of travel related to Lex's Navy career the family returned to the Phenix City/Columbus area where they lived most of their lives. LaVerne and Lex were active and dedicated members of Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church for many years.
Her interests included writing poetry and short stories, quilting and raising roses. Friends were often surprised by a bouquet freshly cut from her garden. Watching sports (Braves, NASCAR, college football, and golf) was another of her favorite activities. She was an avid fan of Auburn University, the alma mater of both her children. She was, however, most happy when on special occasions she was surrounded by family and loved ones.
A memorial service is planned for 3:00 Sunday January 19th at the chapel at McMullen Funeral Home located at 3874 Gentian Blvd, Columbus, GA. Pastor Mitchell Dean of Resurrect Church of Opelika, AL will officiate the ceremony. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or your local Hospice. Condolences and fond memories can be posted at mcmullenfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank the Yanceys - Gina, Rich, Anna, Alan, and Adam - for providing loving care in their home during LaVerne's final years, and Wellstar Community Hospice of Atlanta for the compassionate care they provided in her final days.
Funeral Service
JAN 19. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (est)
McMullen Funeral Home and CrematoryTo send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laverne Wilkes McClellan, please visit our floral store.
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