Julia R McClellan

Julia’s life spanned more than a century, marked by quiet strength and grace. Julia R. McClellan was born on February 2, 1923, in Lexington, Mississippi, to Pennie (Mims) Russell and Bertha Russell. She peacefully passed away on January 10, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. Julia was educated in Lexington, Mississippi, at All Saints Industrial School, where she built the foundation that guided her throughout her life. On April 25, 1959, Julia entered into holy matrimony with John D. McClellan. From this union, there were no children. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. Paul Church of God in Christ, where she lived out her calling through kindness, compassion, and service. Julia had a special love for visiting the sick and shut-in, offering comfort, encouragement, and a listening ear. Her gentle presence brought peace, and her caring spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Julia loved gardening, finding joy in nurturing life and watching it bloom. Her garden reflected her patient and caring spirit, and she often asked friends and family, ‘Do you have a garden?’ She also treasured her trips to Indianapolis, Iowa, and Chicago to spend time with her loved ones. In 2019, due to health reasons, Julia moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she made her home at Oasis at 56th. There, she continued to be surrounded by love and care, remaining a cherished presence to all who knew her. Julia was preceded in death by parents Bertha and Pennie Russell; her brothers, Wilburn Russell and Jacob Russell, both of Chicago, Illinois; her sisters, Alma Russell of Lexington, Mississippi, Bertha Sanders of Chicago, Illinois, Ruth Love of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Millie Saffold of Waterloo, Iowa; and her nephews, David Love of Indianapolis, Indiana and Jacob Russell, Jr of Chicago, IL. She leaves to cherish her legacy to her nieces Dinah Love, Donna Love, and Paula Fields of Indianapolis. Barbara Culpepper, Waterloo, IA. Gladys (Robert) Cooper, Cynthia (Lincoln) Griffin, Tracey Russell-Watkins, Angela Russell, Patricia Russell of Illinois. Nephews, Jacob (Leslie) Love, Paul (Marsha) Love of Indianapolis. Wilburn Russell Jr. (Yvonne), Jerome (Jeanette) Russell, Corey Russell and Fredrick Russell of Chicago, IL. A host of great, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. The family extends special appreciation to her devoted nieces and caregivers, Dinah Love and Donna Love, for their loving care, compassion, and unwavering support. Julia enjoyed watching television, reading her Bible, and playing tic-tac-toe—where her sharp mind usually led her to victory, and after each win she would proudly ask, ‘Can you see? Family and friends fondly remember her favorite sayings: “Stay with God and He’ll stay with you” “Bring me a switch,” “Fine with the weather,” “My best friend is my bed,” “Don’t wake it up” “I wouldn’t feed this to a dog,” and “They need to be praying.” Above all, Julia will be remembered for her servant’s heart, unwavering faith, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love an enduring gift.

Julia R McClellan

February 2, 1923 - January 10, 2026