Betty Rose May McClure

Betty Rose May McClure “Mrs. Granny”, 81 of St. Albans went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday October 31, 2015. Betty joins her mother, Nora Pyles May, her father, Benjamin Franklin May, her brothers, Daniel, Paul, James, Charles, and Glenn May, her sisters Ruth Bryan and Ruby Jarrett and her dear friend Jean Gabany in heavenly paradise. Betty was born on February 5, 1934 in St. Albans. She lived most of her life on Coal River Road. When she was 14 years old she met the love of her life Robert G. McClure whom she married on August 25, 1954. Bob and Betty were a wonderful example of Christian marriage. They loved to spend time together enjoying their family and friends. Betty accepted Christ when she was nine years old and attended New Hope Baptist Church. She began teaching God’s Word as a teenager in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was in the choir and sang many solos. In 1980 she began attending Marantha Fellowship Church where her faith and love for God and others flourished. She taught the four year old class on Wednesday nights for over 30 years. In 2004 she began volunteering two days a week in the three year old preschool where she was known for her original stories that she told during “story time”. In 2006 she began teaching three days a week so she could spend time with the children who had moved up to the four year old class including her great-granddaughter, Hannah Driggs. She continued teaching and volunteering until late 2012 when she became ill with Alzheimers. Betty loved to sing and was a part of many choirs, Gaither Gospel nights, and several musical productions including “Fanny Crosby” and “The Christmas Shoes”. She was very devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. She will be remembered for the lives she touched, the numerous children she led to the Lord, singing “The Love of God” and her strawberry cake. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 61 years, Robert G. McClure of St. Albans, her daughter, Robyn Caldwell (David) of Buffalo, her son, Rodney McClure of Virginia, her beloved grandchildren, Rachel Driggs (Jody) of Charleston, Michael Scott Smith (Emily) of Knoxville, TN, Robert Chad Smith (Julie) of Fernandina Beach, Fla, Rebecca Lohman (Hunter) of St. John’s Fla. and Rhianna McClure of St. Albans. Great-grandchildren, Zachary, Nicholas, Hannah, Eli, Amelia, Haillie, Brinkley, Olivia, Max, Kellen, Steven, Mark and Isabella, her brothers Robert May (Rosie), Hoover May (Maxine), many nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends Myra Cochran and Jerry Hensen. The family would like to thank the following people for their love and care over the past eight months: Joan Carroll, RN and Melinda Boggess, CNA with Hospice, Cim Hale, her caregiver, Myra Cochran for being there every time we needed her, Joan Isble who loved her like her own, and the people of the Maranatha Fellowship Church for the food and cards during her illness. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Kanawha Hospice or Maranatha Fellowship Preschool. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday November 3, 2015 at Maranatha Fellowship Church, St. Albans with Pastor James Wright officiating. Entombment will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Monday at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the McClure family.

Betty Rose May McClure

February 5, 1934 - October 31, 2015