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Loretta McClain Obituary
PRINCEVILLE - Loretta McClain, 89, of Princeville, Ill., formerly of Washington, D.C., passed away peacefully Friday, March 20, 2015, at Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria, Ill., surrounded by her family.
Loretta was born in Independence, Kan., to Near and Goldie (Cunningham) Collins. She married the love of her life, John Walter McClain, in September of 1948. He preceded her in death on March 24, 2014.
Loretta is survived by her loving family, Yolanda (and Glenn) Branche of Washington, D.C., Lamar (and Kimberly) McClain of New Carrolton, Md., and Jocelyn (and Dexter) Hazlewood of Princeville, Ill.; and six grandchildren, Erin, Natalie, Lauren, Kyle, Cameo and Hudson.
Loretta was a graduate of Howard University. During her distinguished career as Foreign Nationals Program Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, Loretta received many awards for her exceptional work with International Visitors.
She was a member of American Business Womens Association (ABWA). ABWA honored her as Woman of the Year.
Loretta was a longtime faithful member of 19th Street Baptist Church, where she served as assistant and church clerk for over 40 years. She was a deaconess. Additionally, she was a Sunday school teacher for many years and co-chaired the 150th anniversary celebration of the 19th Street Baptist Church.
Loretta was a Silver Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Xi Omega Chapter.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015, at the 19th Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20011. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Loretta will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Ill., with her beloved husband.
Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements in Illinois and McGuire Funeral Services, Inc., is handling services in Washington, D.C.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Loretta McClain
Renee Gaskin-Martin
April 3, 2015
My prays and sympathy are with you for the lost of your mother. She was such an elegant lady and soror. She always thought I was her line sister and I would remind her it was my sister (we looked so much alike but were not twins) who became an Ivy Beyond The Wall in 1994
Jacquelyn Simmons
April 2, 2015
To Sorors Yolanda, Jocelyn & Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother and my soror.
I was unable to attend the funeral service because of a previous commitment that could not be cancelled. Your Mom was a beautiful lady, always with a ready smile, a joke or words of wisdom.
I will miss her but know that she is in the hands of the Lord.
Peace & Many Blessings,
Erica Taylor Minor
March 30, 2015
To the McClain Family
Your mother remains a great lady and a very spiritual person who was always a pleasure to be around. I will always love and remember our interesting conversations. She is missed. May God continue to comfort during this difficult time.
John and Opal Watson
March 28, 2015
To The Family:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
I Pray God strength for your Family.
Love
Deborah Williams
March 27, 2015
To the McClain Family:
Your mom's life was distinguished and well-lived as a child of God, a woman, wife, mother & public servant. Her "endearing greetings" brought love & peace to many. May you be sufficiently comforted in God's grace & peace. You loved & served her well.
March 26, 2015
To the Branche family: know that we will always remember Mrs. McClain as the epitome of elegance. Her style and beauty will never be forgotten. Be comforted in knowing that you are not alone in your sorrow. With deepest sympathy, your cousins, Howard and Linda Douglas
Stephanie Saunders
March 26, 2015
Dr. Yolande Branche and Family, sorry to hear of your mother's passing, you have my deepest sympathy. She and your father were very special. She was a joy to have at our Day Care Center ( Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Program). She was loved my many.
Tanya Jackson
March 26, 2015
To The McClain Family,
Sending you my condolences and prayers. Soror McClain was a very person and I was glad to know her. She will be missed.
Tanya Jackson
March 26, 2015
To The McClain Family,
Sending you my condolences and prayers during your time of bereavement. Soror McClain had a beautiful personality and she will be missed by all.
Cynthia Aaron
March 26, 2015
May God comfort and strengthen you during your loss. I knew Ms. McClain as a former coworker of the Dept. of Labor.
Jacqueline Nathaniel
March 25, 2015
Soror Loretta, has been a blessing to many people along her Journey. Rest in peace Soror.
Mary Ann and Jeff Nelson
March 25, 2015
Dr. McClain and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The fact that you were able to spend time with your mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother these past several years is invaluable. God bless.
Anne Newhalfen
March 25, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Loretta's family. I always enjoyed visiting with Loretta at Grand View and will miss seeing her there.
The Carol Stenzel Family
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