Mrs. Tommie Jean McClain

Tommie Jean McClain, Pretty Girl, 84, passed into heaven from her home Saturday afternoon, March 23, 2013. Visitation will be 12:00 noon until the 1:00pm funeral service Thursday, March 28, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Interment will follow at Lakewood South Memorial Park. She was born October 26, 1928 in Okalona, MS to Billie Irene Lancaster, and Thomas Layfette Lancaster. They moved to Clarksdale, MS, at an early age. While in high school Tommie worked at the soda fountain at the train station. She always amazed her children by reciting all the stops on the train from Clarksdale to Memphis, TN. After moving to Cleveland, MS, she began working at Misceramic Tile. She helped make the decorative tiles used as inauguration gifts when Ross Barnett was Governor. It was in Cleveland that she met and married the love of her life, Kenneth, who preceded her in death by 30 days. They moved to Jackson, and raised five children. He gave her the name “Pretty Girl” and that is what she was called. They kept the romance active in their home by welcoming everyone with hugs, dancing, and smiles for all. Tommie taught her children the love of music; especially gospel and country. She played the guitar and harmonica, singing to them the old songs that her father had taught her. Her dad was in a quartet, so there was always music to God’s glory in their home. Tommie worked at the Mississippi State A&I Board in Jackson. Before her retirement, the resolution was passed to plant magnolia trees at the entrances of the state line. Tommie and Ken owned and operated the Greater Jackson Business Report. God gave Tommie many gifts that she always used for His glory. She was a skilled seamtress; making most of her children’s clothes. She was a master at crochet having afgans in several countries. For her mission, she would crochet lap robes for patients in wheelchairs. When she would get 10-12, she and Ken would take them to the Methodist Rehabilitation Center. She also volunteered mending clothes for patients at the nursing homes. Tommie and Ken were charter members of Brookwood Country Club. They enjoyed being members of the golf association and both played competitive golf. Like Ken, Tommie loved the Ole Miss Rebels. When there was a game, it was her job when there was a touchdown to play the Old Miss fight song. Tommie was a member for over 20 years, of the Monday Morning Coffee Club, where the ladies would take turns going to each other’s homes on Monday morning for coffee and visitation. Tommie loved spending time with her children and grands. Survivors include Dixie Lee Litton of Jackson, Steven Layfette Lee (Mae) of Morton, Beverly Lee Durham of Starkville, Vicki Lee Potter (Billy) of Brandon, and Laura Lee Mosley of Raymond. Tommie loved getting hugs and being called Macmac and Mamaw Mc from 12 grandchilren, 30 great-grandchilren, 2 great-great grand children, numerous nieces and nephews, many precious neighbors and friends. Waiting to greet Pretty Girl at Heaven’s door was Kenneth, the love of her life, her granddaughter Bonnie Turner, son-in-law George H. Mosley, Jr., her parents and sisters Francis, Laverne and Billie. The family wishes to express thanks to the physicians and staff at CMMC Homeinstead Senior Care, Mississippi Home Health Care, and special thanks to Compassionate Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity or the Lee Family Donation account at M&F Bank in Brandon. This is for Dominic Rodriquez, Tommie’s great grandson who is waiting for a liver transplant or St. Labree Indian School in Oakland, MT. Pretty Girl was loved by everyone she met. She never met a stranger and had smiles for everyone. She showed the love of her Savior in her actions every day. Take every opportunity to celebrate this special life that we had the joy to know. The Lord has called a pretty angel home. On line guest book available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com