11/19/2024
Myrtis Marie Gardner McClelland (79) of Center, Texas died on November 12, 2024, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, 23, 2024, at 11am at The Abundant Love Ministries located at 1426 Shelbyville, Texas. Rev. Richard Edwards will be the Eulogist.
Visitation will be Friday, November 22, 2024, at Hicks Memorial Chapel from the hours of 4pm to 7pm. Committal will be at St. John Cemetery Africa Community (2308 CR 2050 Center, Texas 75935).
Myrtis Marie Gardner McClelland was born to the late Maurice Gardner and Mary Ella Allen Gardner on December 20, 1944, in Center, Texas.
Myrtis married Wilbert I. McClelland on July 24, 1965, and to this union 2 children were born, C. Anthony and Kristi Rachelle McClelland. Myrtis was known for her zealous approach to mankind and as one who was willing to be of assistance to all. Myrtis had a heart for people and loved to sing.
Myrtis was a member of the Lily of the Valley COGIC in her youth. After marriage, she joined Mt. Zion CME Church. At Mt Zion, Myrtis participated in and spearheaded numerous endeavors and activities within the church. Myrtis was a member of the choir, Sunday School teacher, president of the Trustee Board, member of the Missionary Society and the Board of Christian Education Director.
Myrtis graduated from C.H. Daniels High School in the Class of 1962. Some of her best friends at Daniels were Clifford “Pete” Polley, Ella Mae Hall and Felton Greer. Myrtis graduated from Butler Junior College of Tyler in 1965, receiving her associate’s degree. She then attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas and later furthered her education, receiving two Masters’ degrees from SFA, graduating summa cum laude both times.
Myrtis had a desire to make a difference and would often mention and offer humble respect to her elders that made an impact on her life. She often reflected on her uncle, James “Molly Jaw” Gardner and her great uncle, Joe Gardner. Additional reflections were aunt, Blanche McClelland; teachers, Rubye L. Biggers and Hazel P. Walker; Sunday School teachers and neighbors, Alberta Dock and Nettie Jones.
Myrtis loved to give back. She had a desire to help the less fortunate. She was a member of the Shelby County Welfare Board and participated in the grocery drives during Christmas time.
She insisted on pouring into her family and community. Myrtis was employed by Center Independent School System for 48 plus years. Her employment ranged from secretary, teacher’s aide to teacher. She taught many of her family members including her nieces and nephews. Myrtis set high standards for her students and inspired them to reach their dreams. She asked them to always whisper a prayer. Additionally, she was employed for many years at Payne and Payne Hardware & Outdoor Store. While working at Payne’s, Myrtis discovered a love for cookware and beautiful dishes. Myrtis’ home encapsulates that love, as it’s filled with the beautiful items she so loved. Myrtis was the co-owner of the historic Hicks Mortuary, LLC. As an owner, Myrtis provided families with the assurance that their loved ones would be given the utmost in care and respect.
Myrtis battled cancer for ten years, for which she was awarded numerous recognitions from several local churches and organizations for her unwavering courage. She was awarded the Pillar Award, representing God, family and community in 2021. Her most recent recognition came in October 2024, at the Annual Breast Cancer Program by Kelly & Company.
Myrtis was loved by many. Her impact was authentic and lasting. She seemed bigger than life because of how she utilized her time, talent and treasures to help others. Myrtis valued relationships and spending time on the phone with family and loved ones, such as Gayle Booth, Noretta Crosby, Norma Lister, Sue Sparks, Frankie Arnold, Alton Biggers, Felton Greer, Levady Gillaspie, Joyce Jackson, Sandra Miller, Verna Cloudy, Kelly Watts, and Cristy Byndom. She will be dearly missed.
Myrtis was proceeded in death by husband, Wilbert I. McClelland; her parents, Maurice and Mary Ella Gardner; and two sisters, Marva Gardner and Brenda Jackson.
She is survived by:
Children:
C. Anthony
Kristi McClelland
Brothers:
Rev. Billy E. (Margie) Gardner
Thomas A. Gardner
Jerry (Cherly) Gardner
Frederick (Stella) Gardner
Sister, Ester Singleton
Uncle, Lucky (Wilda) Gardner
As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former students.
Last but not least, her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews:
Jamarion “Mar-Mar” Evans
Sierra Beal
Ashley Lister
Jalen (Keve) Hubbard
Ionnia Hubbard
LaJada Randle
Braylon Jackson
Andrea and Damien Horton, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Myrtis McClelland to Mt Zion CME Church P.O Box 1504 Center, Texas 75935 or to Shelby County Welfare Board.
Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net
