Our beloved mother and grandmother, Clara Mae Morris McElhaney, went to her heavenly home on Friday, September 25, 2026. She was 89 years old. Clara was born on January 25, 1937 to James Coyle and Cleoria Morris in Gateswood, Alabama.
On January 31, 1958, she married the guy she met on a blind date, Raymond McElhaney. Together they built a home filled with faith, love, and laughter. They were married 64 years. Clara was the heart of her home and family. She was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Cindy, Kim, and Karla. She always put the needs of her family before her own and was the person everyone turned to for comfort, advice, and encouragement.
Clara was a faithful pastor’s wife and fulfilled that role with compassion and love. At First Baptist Tanner, she taught preschool Sunday School for over 20 years, was involved in the W.M.U., and sang in the adult choir. Before her death Clara was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens. She was involved in the Prison Ministry Outreach Program. She and Ray were actively involved in the Keenagers Sr. Group. Clara’s servanthood went beyond the walls of the church building. She spent countless hours visiting the sick and shut-ins while making sure to take a meal or a baked good. She sent many cards to encourage others and was a fervent prayer warrior.
Three hobbies Clara enjoyed were cooking, gardening, and finding bargains. She was an excellent cook and no one ever went hungry when they entered her kitchen. It was the gathering place for Sunday dinners, holidays, birthdays, and the place to share about your day. Clara always made sure everyone at the table had a favorite dish. She also enjoyed gardening and spent many hours working in her yard. One could likely find her sitting on her stool trying to dig up one more relentless weed. Clara was an experienced bargain hunter. Many fun times were spent with her daughters and grandchildren at yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops. Their greatest treasure though was the time they spent together and the laughter that was shared.
Clara, Mom, Maw Maw, gave so much love and was loved deeply by her family. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her hugs and laughs were plenty. Her strength and generosity will be greatly missed but never forgotten. She was a role model to her daughters and they were so proud of her. They rejoice in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, her Ray Tom, and has found rest in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ.
Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Bro. Raymond Thomas McElhaney and her parents, J.C. and Cleoria Morris. She is survived by her daughters: Cindy Ennis (Randall), Kim Malone (Joey), and Karla Swanner (Mike), grandchildren: Mike Anderson (Jen), Elliott Malone, Mollie Feigley (Eric), Mahaley Swanner, Heather Ennis, and Nicole Jackson (Doug), great-grandchildren: Amelia Feigley, Raylee Feigley, Early Auerbach, Gage Hammon (Reagan), Kyleigh Gleason, Brindley Edney, Bella and Tipton Jackson.
Funeral arrangements will be directed by Spry Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama.
There will be a visitation from 9:00 a.m. to service time, Monday, September 28, 2026 at Spry Funeral Home. Services will be 11:00 a.m. in the Spry Chapel officiated by Keith Turberville. Interment to follow at Limestone Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church Tanner Children’s Ministry Building Fund. The family wishes to lovingly thank her devoted caregivers, whom the family will forever be grateful for: Ginger Colwell, Ladonna Hagood, Rosa Bozarth, and Diane Boyd. A special thanks to Hospice of Limestone County and to our precious nurse, Jennifer Stephens.
Pallbearers will be Randall Ennis, Mike Swanner, Joey Malone, Mike Anderson, Elliott Malone, Mollie Feigley, Mahaley Swanner and Eric Feigley.
