Mary Nell McClelland

Mary Nell McClelland passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 10, 1942, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, to Wade and Nellie Stewart. Mary Nell was a 1960 graduate of Hazlehurst High School. She spent 16 years in the accounting department at Sanderson Farms and later served faithfully with the Hazlehurst Water Department until her retirement. Mary Nell married the love of her life, James "Don" McClelland, Jr., and together they shared 42 wonderful years filled with devotion, laughter, and love. She was a dedicated mother to her four children and a proud Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always cherishing her family above all else. Whether it was shopping trips, cheering on the sidelines at ballgames, or attending the many programs, Mimi was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's biggest fan. She inherited her love of the outdoors and hunting from her father and carried that joy throughout her life. Mary Nell also found great happiness in traveling with family and her coffee-club friends, visiting places such as Aruba, Cozumel, and all along the Gulf Coast. A gifted musician, she shared her love of music as an organist and vocalist, and her faith was a steady anchor as a member of the Hazlehurst Methodist Church. Mary Nell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don McClelland; her parents, Wade and Nellie Stewart; and her sister, Patsy Stewart Dockens. She is survived by her children: Jan Mattingly, Julie Mattingly, John (Jennifer) Mattingly, and C. Allen Knott; grandchildren: Calla Smith (Jordan), Matthew Gaddy, Zach Mattingly (Morgan), Brynner Mattingly (Nikki), and Rett Mattingly; and great-grandchildren: Brooklynn Russ, Mackenzie Earles, Archie Mattingly, Jagger Smith, Asher Polk, and Hadley Polk. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Arden Hospice, Dr. Randy Hankins, Lauren Thompson, FNP-C, and the caring staff at Copiah County Medical Center for their loving care during her final days. A memorial service celebrating Mary Nell's life will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tabernacle Methodist Church, and can be sent to 208 Ingleside Drive, Madison, MS 39110. Mary Nell's legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.