Mary Ann McLelland
January 24, 1948 ~ July 20, 2024
Born in:
Sulphur Springs, Texas
Resided in:
Gladewater, Texas
Mary Ann McLelland, 76—but only 72 if you asked her—beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully departed this world on July 20, 2024, in Gladewater, TX. Known for being tough as nails with a heart of gold, Mary Ann lived her life with unparalleled passion and an adventurous spirit.
Born January 24, 1948 in Sulphur Springs, TX to James and Geneva Regan, Mary Ann was a force of nature from the very beginning. Her sharp wit, fiery red-head personality, and amusing realism endeared her to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
“Scary Mary,” as her husband Tommy referred to her, had a specialty in her uncanny ability to turn any conversation into an Olympic-level debate. Her opinions? Oh, they were as strong as her morning coffee, and just as likely to leave you wide-eyed and reconsidering your life choices.
But beneath that prickly exterior lay a heart of gold (or maybe platinum—she had high standards). When she wasn’t busy dropping truth bombs that could rival the best SVU episode, she was the first to lend a hand—or a perfectly timed eye-roll—to those in need.
Her legendary tongue lashings became a local hallmark, known far and wide for their ability to strike fear into telemarketers, solicitors, and daughters-in-law alike. Yet, despite her tough exterior, those who knew her best swear she was just a big softie who preferred her chats with a side of sarcasm and colorful language.
So here’s to Mary—our lovably sassy, fiercely loyal, and occasionally terrifying matriarch—who kept us on our toes and our laughs genuine.
Mary Ann’s legacy of love will be carried on by her two sons: Ty and wife Shelly McLelland of Union Grove, TX, and Dirk and wife Monica McLelland of Texarkana, AR. Her six grandchildren, Baylor, Mackenzie, and Josie McLelland, and Elijah-“Isaiah”, Izabel, and Ezekiel Parham, will forever cherish her playful spirit and the mischievous twinkle in her eye. Her siblings—Pat Perkins of Canton, TX, James and Phyllis Regan of Greenville, TX, Pearl and Joe Jack Mills of Canton, TX, and Jerry and Vickie Regan of El Paso, TX—will forever miss the baby of the family. And finally, Paige and Roger, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends will always remember how special she was.
Throughout her life, Mary Ann was an avid junker, spending countless hours planning her next haunt and sharing her expertise with anyone who would listen. Although her favorite junking partner, her husband Tommy, left her side in 2012, they spent 41 wonderful years finding the best deals and bragging about their finds at the breakfast table with their junkin’ friends.
Mary Ann McLelland was more than a name on a page; she was the heartbeat of the McLelland family, where she made an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her dry sense of humor and uncompromising honesty will echo through the memories of those who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann would likely prefer a donation to your local animal shelter, a reflection of her generous spirit and desire to make the world a better place one rescue at a time. The family would especially like to thank Legend Oaks, Wesley House, and Heart to Heart Hospice for all the love and care that they provided throughout these last few months of dementia’s vicious ruination.
A celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024 at Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs, Texas, where stories and memories of her remarkable journey will be shared. Please join us in remembering the laughter, the joy, and the unparalleled spirit of Mary Ann McLelland, a spitfire who blazed through life with love in her heart and a frown on her lips.
Services
Celebration of Life: August 16, 2024 11:00 am
Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, Texas 75656
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My mom and I are so saddened by this news. Your mom was so sweet to me when I lived across the street from her. She will definitely be missed.
This saddens me. Mary Ann was always such a sweet sweet lady. Her and Tommy were wonderful people,
Prayers from Wallaces for Mary ANNS FAMILY
I had the privilege of knowing Mary Ann when she married my cousin Tommy. She always made me laugh ,she was a great mother to her boys and a great wife to Tommy. Rest in peace Red
Pearl and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you today and throughout this difficult time. We think often of you and Joe Jack and what you have meant to us at Second Baptist, Dallas, and beyond. May the Lord bless you with comfort and the knowledge of His presence.