Martha "Jeannie" McClure

 

Martha Jeanette “Jeannie” McClure, 83, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2023. She was born in Bloomington, Indiana on January 26, 1940, to her parents Hoyt and Norma Canary. Jeannie is survived by her loving husband Richard A. “Dick” McClure; her children: Peggy Allen (née Trent) and David Trent; two stepsons: Kevan and Kerry McClure; and five grandchildren.

Jeannie moved to Arizona with her family when she was very young. There, her father founded a Christian seminary that impressed the importance of faith upon Jeannie; a faith that would be a cornerstone to her and moving to others. She was committed to a life of education, graduating from Phoenix Christian High School, earning a Bachelor of Science from Grand Canyon College, and a master’s degree from Indiana University in secondary education and choral conducting, after returning to Indiana in the early ‘60s.

Music was a centerpiece of Jeannie’s life, and she got an early start as she and her sister, Joyce, would often sing duets in the church where her father was a pastor. An especially gifted musician, in addition to singing, she played both piano and organ. She utilized her musical talents vocationally, for ministry, and for personal enjoyment.

An educator for nearly 40 years, Jeannie initially taught general music classes in elementary school, but her teaching talents really blossomed once she was able to focus more on choral conducting at the junior high and high school levels. While her career in education gave her much fulfillment, her real passion was to serve the Lord in the church, which she did as a choir director and organist. Highlights included serving at Speedway United Methodist, Union Chapel United Methodist Church, and East 91st Christian Church which culminated in the unique opportunity to play the organ at Canterbury Cathedral, England, while on a choir tour in the early 1980’s.

Jeannie also loved her pedigree show dogs (shelties). A brief account of her notable K-9 accomplishments includes establishing Riviera Kennels, raising, breeding, and showing her dogs throughout the Midwest, winning many awards and trophies, and producing numerous quality pets for the public.

Other key interests included tending her flower gardens, swimming, boating, traveling, and entertaining at the home that she and Dick remodeled in Fishers, IN.

In addition to her parents, Jeannie is preceded in death by her sister Evelyn “Joyce” Denton (née Canary)

Funeral services are being held at Indiana Funeral Care – Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis IN 46250. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 27 from 5pm-7pm, and the funeral service will be on Thursday, December 28 at 1pm. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.