Zelma Mcclure

Mrs. Zelma Beatrice McClure, 86, Athens, TN departed this life, Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

She was the loving wife of Mr. Charles Edward McClure, Sr., who preceded her in death. She was born August 13, 1933 to Samuel ‘Page’ and Beatrice Hart Nash, and was raised in Newark, NJ until her high school years. She came to Athens, TN to live with her uncle and aunt, Professor and Mrs. W.E. Nash and graduated as valedictorian from J.L. Cook High Class of 1950. She returned to Newark and enrolled in Nursing school. Later united in marriage with Charles McClure on April 10, 1952 and moved to California while he served in the U.S. Air Force.  They returned to Newark, NJ for several years before relocating to Athens, TN. After raising a family of 6 children, she and Charles took various computer courses at Cleveland State Community College.

After her youngest entered school, she worked part-time in several Athens companies before being employed by the Athens City Schools; first as a special education aid, kindergarten aid, and finally as a lunch room monitor. Her hobbies included CB radio, Amateur radio, gardening, and traveling. She was a member of the Athens Radio Club and OMIK Amateur Radio Assoc.

She was a faithful member of the First United Presbyterian Church, USA for many years where she was an Elder. She also served in Presbyterian Women, Sunday School teacher, and ‘Minutes with Children.’

She served on several boards, including the Athens YMCA, Athens Senior Citizen Center, McMinn County Heritage Museum, and Athens City School Board (two terms). She served the community delivering Meals on Wheels and the Daily Post Athenian for many years with all her children. She had a special love for all children, demonstrated not only in service of her church and Athens school system, but as a leader in the Summer Parks and Recreation program (Heritage Park), After-school Bible Study and opening her home to all children.

Zelma was preceded in death by her husband Charles E. McClure, Sr. and one child, Charles E. McClure, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, five children; Mildred (Oscar) Hughes of Houston, TX, James McClure ( Lisa King) of Athens, TN, Allen McClure of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Juanita (Ron) Lewis of Charlotte, NC, and George McClure (Emily) of Athens, TN; eleven grandchildren – Nikki, Cassie, Corey, Ethan, Brett, Brian, Brianna, Jordan, Eyndia, Diamond, and Kai; four great-grandchildren – Destiny, Kirra, Kellan, and Radiance; two sisters – Diana Nash-Crew of Arizona and Elizabeth Nash-Batts of New Jersey (Her sister Veronica Nash has passed since Zelma’s passing); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all across the United States. Her family continues to grow with an additional five grandchildren - Jacobi, Jazion, Jakiya, Joseph, and Jaxson and three great-grandchildren - Sky’Larae, Judah, and Kruze.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home – Athens, TN., with Rev. Vant Hardaway officiating. Visitation by friends will be one hour before at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family’s requesting donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Assoc.

The entire community of family and friends will cherish the fond memories of this strong and faithful woman of God.