Margaret McClelland

Sister Margaret McClelland, was born on September 8, 1921, to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie and Susie Knighten, of Junction City Arkansas. Her parents named her, Margaret Knighten.  She was born in Junction City, Arkansas, where she lived her entire 97 years of endearing life.

As a child, Ms. Margaret Knighten, was a very energetic child and learned many tasks from her mother, Susie, or as she was called by most, “Mama Sis.” Her father, Charlie Knighten, was known by most as the best mechanic in these parts, and called, “Papa Coot.”

Ms. Margaret was an excellent cook, a creative seamstress, and made beautiful quilts at an early age.

She attended Rosenwald Elementary School in Junction City. She loved to talk and meet people, and her compassion for others made them feel comfortable.

At an early age, she confessed hope in Christ and joined Mt. Union Baptist Church and was a loyal and faithful member until her health failed.

On April 17, 1938, she was united in Holy Matrimony with Mr. Roosevelt McClelland “The Love of her Life”, under the leadership of Pastor L.P. Patrick and to this union seven children were born. Bigmama and Bigdaddy, as they were called by their loved ones, were married for 63 years until Mr. Roosevelt’s death.

Mrs. McClelland loved taking care of her husband and children. She made many of her children’s clothes, especially the girls. She made many wedding dresses, veils, and others accessories for other people.

She was also active in the church and for many years served as the church secretary. She was a member of B.T.U., Nursing Gill, Home Mission, and Deaconess Board. She also worked as a caretaker outside of the home for many residents in El Dorado. She loved people and children, and if she saw a need, she didn't mind giving them clothes or food. She loved talking and giving advice to anyone that would listen. “What came up, came out!”

Mrs. McClelland was preceded in death by her husband Roosevelt, her daughter Ruthel Kentle, and her son David McClelland.

Mrs. Margaret McClelland was the Matriarch of the McClelland family.  She leaves with love and to cherish her loving family, two daughters, Trudell Newberry of Racine, WI and Margaret Ann Drisdom (Willie) of Los Angeles, CA; three sons, Theodore McClelland (Diane) of North Chicago, IL, James McClelland (Flossie) of Channelview, TX, and Charles McClelland of El Dorado; 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, along with friends and her New Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church family. She is Loved, and Gone, but never to be forgotten.

Public visitation will be Friday, October 26, 2018 from 11-4pm at New Mt. Union Baptist Church in Junction City with family hour Friday, October 26, 2018 5-7pm at New Mt. Union Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 27th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church-Cordell 620 Cordell with Rev. Doug Marsh, eulogist. Interment will be at Junction City Community Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com

Active pallbearers Ahmad Qawi, Ahnad Qawi Jr., Samad Qawi, Imad Qawi, Kevin Newberry, David McClelland, and Kristoffer McClelland.