Lela Mae McClain

Lela Mae McClain was born on June 8, 1940, in Clayton, Alabama, in a place affectionately known as "the quarters." She was the beloved daughter of the late Ethel Bell and Carlton Morrell. Lela received her early education at White Oak Chapel Elementary School and later attended Barbour County High School in Clayton, Alabama. From her youth, she carried a deep love for God and family values that shaped her life's journey.
In 1959, Lela moved to New Jersey with her loving brother Tom Morrell and sister-in-law Ethel Morrell. Her faith continued to grow, and during her early years in New Jersey, she attended Little Friendship Baptist Church, where she met the love of her life, Joe D. McClain. The two were united in holy matrimony on December 17, 1961, a day Joe lovingly recalls as taking place right at 3:00 p.m. Their marriage was built on love, devotion, and mutual respect, lasting a lifetime.
As Lela's understanding of the Bible deepened, she made the heartfelt decision to dedicate her life to Jehovah God and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Her faith became her guiding light. She was a devoted and active member of her congregation, where she dearly loved fellowshipping with her spiritual brothers and sisters. Lela joyfully served as a pioneer and took great pleasure in attending her congregation meetings every Wednesday and Sunday, as well as the circuit assemblies and conventions. Her dedication, warmth, and love for Jehovah were evident to all who knew her. Lela's interests reflected her caring and joyful spirit. She loved gardening, cooking, caring for her plants, family dinners, and traveling-especially when visiting her beloved home state of Alabama. Whether through her hospitality, her laughter, or her comforting words, she had a way of making everyone around her feel loved and welcome.
Professionally, Lela worked with diligence and pride as a Quality Control Inspector at Artwire Duduco for two decades. She later worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Newark. Afterward, she retired to lovingly care for her husband and her late mother-in-law, Susie McClain, dedicating her time and heart to her family. Lela will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle heart, her love of family, her ability to see good in everyone and her joyful spirit. She lived her life as a true example of love, humility, and dedication to Jehovah.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Joe D. McClain; her cherished sister, Ida Bell Garrett; and her dear brother, Roy C. Morrell. She also leaves behind a host of nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, very close friends, and beloved spiritual children, all of whom will continue to carry her memory and love in their hearts.
Lela now rests peacefully in Jehovah's memory, awaiting the beautiful day when "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out." - John 5:28–29
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Lela Mae McClain. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.