Sara Su McLain

Madison - Sara Su Campbell McLain died peacefully at home on January 25, 2018, after a short but courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Su was 82.

Born August 12, 1935, in Merigold, MS, she grew up in Jackson where she graduated from Central High School.

Su was an amazing mother, teacher, and guide to her children, Mark McLain of Madison and Melissa McLain Terry of Laurel, and will also be deeply missed by Lisa McLain and Jerry O. Terry, Jr., her daughter-in-law and son-in-law.

She was a deeply beloved and proud "Mawmaw" to her three grandchildren: Owen Terry (wife Jaycee) of Madison, Sara Kathryn Terry of Laurel, and Marlee Grace McLain of Madison.

Su's sister and brother, Martha Campbell Weatherall and Edward Rogers Campbell, predeceased her, as did her parents, Eunice Jenkins Campbell and Edward Sebastian Campbell.

As her children grew into their own lives, Su finished college at Mississippi College (Religious Studies) and then obtained a master's degree in counseling from MC. Additionally, she received chaplaincy training and clinical pastoral education at UMMC.

Su went on to obtain her master of divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and serve as associate pastor at Whitehaven Presbyterian Church in Memphis. While in Memphis she completed her Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Memphis.

After a psychology internship at Butler University in Indianapolis, Su moved back to Mississippi where she worked at the MS State Hospital, preached for various churches in need, maintained an outpatient practice in psychology, and immersed herself in the lives of her family and many friends.

In retirement, Su continued volunteering with Meals On Wheels and helping wherever she was needed in her Presbytery until months before her passing.

Su practiced what she preached. She walked her talk. Courageous, curious, always enjoying a good laugh, but never shrinking in defense of justice, Su made close and dear friends everywhere she lived. These friendships endured and were a constant source of light and life for Su.

Finding her home in a church family was one of the most meaningful and enriching things in Su's life. She felt a deep sense of belonging and fulfillment as part of the congregation of Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson. In preparing to leave behind dear friends and family at Fondren, Su looked forward to reuniting with those friends from Fondren's family who had passed on before her, as well as loved ones who'd gone before.

Su tried to follow the example of Christ. It was the defining commitment of her life. While she will be missed so much by those in her life, there is peace and fulfillment in knowing that she is truly at home.

Parkway Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Ridgeland is handling Su's arrangements.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm Saturday, January 27, 2018, at Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, with a celebration of Su's life starting at 2:00 pm at Fondren. Burial will immediately follow at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association, or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Clarion Ledger on Jan. 27, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Sara McLain

Sponsored by Parkway Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

7 Entries

Emily Landreth

February 1, 2018

So sorry to hear of your mothers passing, Su and my mother Peggy Gage Davis were first cousins, Aunt Eunice and my grandmother Clara Jenkins Gage were sisters, we know these sweet ladies shared with all of us the love of Jesus ChristWith Love Emily Davis Landreth

Catherine Nowicki

January 30, 2018

I met Su through First-Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel and got to know her as a friend through the Women's Retreat at St. Mary in the Pines. She was funny, warm, honest, kind...we bonded right away. When I was in Jackson in the hospital after breast cancer surgery, she visited me and kept in touch with me throughout my healing process. She lived what she preached, as a child of God and a follower of Jesus. I am sad about her passing, but I know she is at peace and with her Maker at long last. I will miss her wonderful laugh, so full of delight and happiness. She always spoke of her children and grandchildren, and her love for her family. I was blessed to call her friend.

Jerry & Lisa Smith

January 30, 2018

Jerry, Melissa, Owen, Jaycee and Sara Catherine, we are deeply saddened to learn of your mother/grandmother's passing! Keeping you and all family members close in thought and prayer in the days, weeks and months ahead. Su was a sweetheart, was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Sincerely, Jerry & Lisa Smith

Lois Akin

January 27, 2018

SU WAS A GREAT FRIEND. I WILL CHERISH HER MEMORY , AND THE TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER.
I

David Hill M.D.

January 27, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones.

The Staff of Parkway Funeral Home

January 27, 2018

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Mary Ellen McSpadden

January 26, 2018

Su was the Associate Pastor at Whitehaven Presbyterian Church in Memphis while I served there as secretary. Su enriched my life and was always a fun and compassionate person to be with. I remember her little dog Tess who will be waiting for her in Heaven along with a host of relatives and friends. I will miss Su in this earthly home but will rejoice to see her again in our heavenly home. God bless all the family!

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results