Artha Lee McClelland

For the Lord saw his good and faithful servant was getting tired and so he said unto her ,"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Artha Lee McClelland was born into this earthly life May 6, 1932 to the late Mary Cunningham and Lee Roy Cunningham. At that time, no one knew the great impact that she would have on so many lives. As a child she desired to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. This desire prompted her to give her life to Christ at a very tender age.

Mrs. Artha McClelland was a faithful member of Eastern Star Baptist Church. It was there that so many of us got to hear her angelic voice singing in the choir. During her most recent visit over the Christmas holiday, she was acknowledged as the oldest living mother of the church. This accomplishment brought her pure joy. She attended and served until her health would not allow it.

Artha was a graduate of Bell High School in Gurdon, AR. She worked as a homemaker and hair dresser. Many friends, who came and sat in her kitchen chair on Saturdays, knew that she was good with the straightening comb and marcel curling irons. You also knew that if there was a piece of hair there, you could count on her catching it.

On August 16, 1952 Artha united in Holy Matrimony with Harvey McClelland. To this union nine beautiful children were born. All of whom were cherished and loved beyond measure.

On Wednesday, January 6, 2016, Artha reached out and spread her wings to fly on to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Harvey McClelland; two sons, Stanley McClelland and Demond McClelland; one sister, Juanita Cunningham; one brother, Ovell Cunningham; two grandchildren, David McClelland II and Kaenitia McClelland.

Her memories will be held dear by those left behind: Three daughters; Damita (Oscar) Marks of Benton, AR, Beverly McClelland of Gurdon, AR ; Kay Moore of McKinney, TX; four sons, Harvey McClelland, Jr. of Houston, TX; David McClelland of Melissa, TX, Shawn McClelland of Gurdon, AR and Kenneth McClelland of Arlington, TX; 18 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild; 2 sisters, Mary (Jerry) Liberty of Woodville, MS and Betty Allen of Los Angeles, CA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Eastern Star Baptist Church in Gurdon where Rev. Marshall Allen is Pastor and eulogist. Visitation will be Friday, January 15, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with family hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenville Cemetery in Gurdon under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.

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