BEVERLEY MCCLELLAN

“Here I am, Lord. Take my hand, lead me home.” I passed over to my heavenly home on January 5, 2022, and here is my story.

I was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania on January 29,1938 to Helen and Harry Floyd, the last of nine children. I spent several years in Michigan where I met my future husband, Joseph McClellan. We married in 1956 and moved to Neenah shortly thereafter where we raised 4 amazing children. We enjoyed taking camping vacations, visiting family, playing cards and spending time with neighbors and friends.

Once our children were raised, I enrolled in Fox Valley Technical College and earned Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development. Watching young children learn while having fun was of great interest to me. I was employed as a teacher in the Parent-Child Center at FVTC; as School-Age Child Care Coordinator at the Appleton YMCA; and wore many hats in the Head Start program in both Appleton and Oshkosh, working with families as well as children until I retired. Throughout these years, I saw a need for teachers to have creative, affordable activities to use with their students in preschool and day care settings. I started “Preschool Treasures” where I created and sold themed learning activities for young children and shared those activities and ideas with other early childhood educators through Make-It, Take-It workshops.

Joe and I had four children. Brenda (Alex Tilson), Joe Jr, Mary (Mark Frank), and Mike (Karen Winters). I was blessed with five grandchildren Matt Frank, Maddie Frank (CJ Schwandt), Ian Tilson, Chelsea Tilson and Logan McClellan. My blessings continued with three beautiful great-grandchildren Lauren, Hannah and Parker Schwandt. What a joy they have been over the last six years!

I thank my family and many friends that laughed with me in the good times and supported me through life's challenges; members of my FAITH Bible Study group, former co-workers, my church family, the “99 club” friends, and especially my long-time neighbors and dear friends, Sally and Jerry Tummett. 

My two daughters and I financially and spiritually support a young teenager named Brian Osoro, who lives at The Lord's House of Hope in Kenya, which is a Christian based orphanage created and supported by local Fox Valley residents and friends. To continue to support Brian and his family at this orphanage, a memorial fund has been established in my name.  Monetary donations can be made to House of Hope Foundation, Inc. To those who wish to honor my life, remember that every child needs the gift of L-O-V-E. Until we meet again, Bev.

A service to remember and honor Beverley's life will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah on Thursday, January 13, 2022.  Visitation will be at 10:00 am with the funeral following at 11:00 am.  Masks are required.  We will also livestream the funeral at https://youtu.be/uv3Np2ZfMIA

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Moments Hospice for the support and guidance they have offered our family on this final step in mom's journey.

A mother's love is always with her children.  Mom, you left us beautiful memories; your love will always be our guide.  Although we cannot see you, we know you are right there by our side.