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Obituary For Deborah McClain
Deborah “Debbie” Anita McClain was born on June 5, 1953 in Jersey City, New Jersey and entered into eternal rest on March 31, 2020 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, N.C.
Debbie attended New Jersey public schools and graduated from Linden High School in Linden, N.J. She was a member of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a member of the choir before illness rendered her unable. Debbie was last employed with Bo jangles Restaurant in Dallas N.C., where she showcased her skills as a cook. Never to have met a stranger, Debbie always had a warm smile and kind word for all that she encountered.
Debbie’s greatest loves were her children and grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than cooking for her family and telling you to come by to get a plate. Her specialties were baked ham and sweet potato pie of course. No one could or can touch her ham – “you tried it” would be the comment made to anyone who dared to match. Oh, and the sweet potato pies – she always made sure you had one and you shared it!
Never to have met a stranger, Debbie always had a warm smile and kind word for all that she encountered. Us daughters would get embarrassed at times – here she goes talking to that stranger again - but little did we realize, she was teaching us life skills –confidence, humility, grace, acceptance – skills that we still use today. She loved spending time with her family, whether it be hanging out with cousin Sandra, checking up on her sis-in-love Viola, or going to “do something for her honey”, she always loved and looked out for other. The fun Auntie, she had a young spirit and always had accepting words. Now, she’d tell you if you’d done wrong, but she always said it in a way that made you know you were loved.
You could find Debbie doing anything from knitting a baby blanket for little Zylah, to fishing, gardening, playing scratch offs and constantly trying to get that phone and tablet to work – I think we have all worked on them at some point! Debbie, Mommy, Aunt Shorty, Sweet Potato – she went by many names, but answered to them all.
Although her health wasn’t always the best, she was energized and rejoiced at the news of her first great grandchild, little Zylah, a bright light in the darkness. What that child taught Debbie, and can teach all of us, is that God is a miracle worker, a way maker, a healer and He will never forsake or make a mistake.
Debbie is survived by her loving daughters, Keya Parsons (Justin) of Gastonia, N.C., Charneice McClain of Brooklyn, N.Y., and baby girl LaShelle McClain of Dallas, N.C. Debbie also leave behind her devoted grandchildren, Keyon Smith, TaNaysia Hope, Raediance Blair, Jalen Parsons & great-granddaughter, Zylah Hope. Debbie will be especially missed by her siblings Gene Reid (Viola) of Gastonia, N.C., Lori Reid of Union, N.J., and Kevin Reid, of New Jersey, her special cousin, Sandra Crawford, her “honey” Cearcil Reid. Debbie was proceeded in death by her mother Margaret Reid, father Henry Hamm Sr., brother Henry Hamm Jr. and grandson, Raishon Peterman Jr. Debbie also leaves behind ex-husband Rufus McClain and a host of family and friends.
Deborah will lie in state at the funeral home on Tuesday; April 7, 2020 from 4 until 7:00 p.m.
The family will have a private service and interment.
Interment: Armstrong Cemetery
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceGood afternoon everyone my name is Senora miles I'm the niece of Deborah McClain. I want to start off by sending my deepest condolences to my beautiful cousins pumpkin,shelly and Niece and her siblings Lori, Gean and Kevin. I have a memory that I would like to share that makes me smile and laugh now but back then made me want to cry and that was getting my hair hard pressed!!;Lawd know she would get it especially those little pieces of hair on your edges and the back of you neck, That would make me want to hop out of my seat" If you keep moving Noodle you will get burnt". Noodle was my Auntie very own nickname that she gave to me when I was little and followed me though adulthood. No matter where we were at when I heard that name I knew exactly who was calling me. Plus she would say my name so funny. But at the end of it all my hair was fly and feeling straighter then a perm. I will truly miss you Aunt Debbie and will always remember that beautiful smile. Love Senora
I met Debbie in high school, her smile was contagious. I reconnected with her on FB we both were surprised that we ended up in North Carolina. She didn't let me forget one special night our little group went out. We both were laughing about it. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and I know she will be missed.
Michele Radney Daughtry
I only met Debbie through phone conversations over the past 2 months leading up to her death but I felt like I had known her FOREVER. Her warmth and kindness touched me even though we were miles apart. I miss not having tasted one of her famous sweet potato pies. And i have no doubt that we would have been "like sisters', had God granted her more time. She will be missed. Sending all my love to her girls, Charniece (my good friend), Shelly and Punkin. Vicki
La'Shelle, I was so shocked to her of the loss of your dear mother. Please know that I and the Bookstore Staff share with you and your family sincere condolences. My prayers go out to each of you. Charles Wilson and the Bookstore Staff of Gaston College.
Pamela Flowers
I was very young when I met Debbie for the first time. I remember she used to visit a neighbor of ours, a long time ago, with her three girls. She subsequently moved on the same street as us back then. I can say her girls and the rest of us children on the block grew up together. Debbie was very talkative, a conversationalist. She was very friendly and she was able to shoot straight from the hip! I remember she was the youngest of the parents who sat out on the porch and discussed many different things and they had many laughs together. Although she was the youngest of the parents, she was the one that gave the most sound advice. I learned about portable hair blow dryers from Debbie! Debbie and her family subsequently moved off of the block. We lost touch. However, due to Facebook, we reconnected. It was at that time that we began to reminisce about the good old days. Her demise was a total shock to me. Upon receiving that news, her whole life flashed before me... her life, of course, which I'm familiar with. It's all too surreal and like a bad dream to me. I will truly miss her. I would like for her entire family to accept my warmest and sincerest condolences. May God provide them all with peace, comfort, and, most importantly, strength, during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to family Love you all Rochelle
Shelley I'm so sorry for your loss your mom was always smiling an such a sweet lady. Shannon Boyd
Aunty Debbie we love u so dearly! Your bright beautiful smile will forever be imprinted in our minds while ur kind words engraved in our hearts forever.... We love you Angel Aunty To my cousins we love y'all and are a phone call away. May God be a guiding light n comfort....
La'Shelle: I am heartbroken for you and your family. I pray that God surrounds you with comfort, peace & love in the midst of your heartache. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Misti ELting
La'Shelle, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Belinda Butler, Gaston College
La'Shelle and family: I am so saddened to hear of the loss your mother. My thoughts and prayers to you all during this time. Katie Fraley, Gaston College
Whenever I saw Debbie she had a smile and had something pleasant to say! Keeping the family in prayer! Sorry for your loss Gene Reid!
My deepest condolences to the family. Praying God touches each one of you & keeps you in his loving arms.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
