Louise (McLelland) McColl

Sara Louise McLelland McColl ran smiling into Heaven on November 29, 2016. Born September 23, 1922 to the late Howard B. and Eva Mae McLelland, she grew up in Anacostia, a neighborhood in Washington, DC. Her sister, Margaret Laughton and brother, Bud McLelland are also deceased. Summers she would spend with grandparents from both sides, who lived outside of Statesville on Hwy 90. It was one of those visits that brought her to meet her life’s love, Norman H. McColl, Sr. at Concord Presbyterian Church. They would marry and raise 6 children. But before that she graduated from Mitchell Girls College and her first job was at Merchants Bank of Statesville. She went on to work for NCNB, Nations Bank and Bank of America. She retired, just to be called out of retirement twice before she quit for good. She was pregnant with her sixth child when 3 others came down with polio. She and our dad were very loving and caring parents to us six, treating us equally even with the attention given in the care of these siblings. Before going back to work after her children were born she also kept 6 neighborhood boys to make a little money and they were like brothers to us. All knew her as mom and will cherish the memories of her smiling face, her laughter. Knowing of her willingness to serve as an officer in many club associations, teaching Sunday School classes, etc.. will remind people that she was a small little redhead with a lot of energy! Pop’s father nicknamed mom “Tiny” because there was already a Louise in the family and that name stuck. To explain further how outgoing she and Pop both were, just come look through the many picture albums of people none of us recognize. Everyone they met, they took a picture and we’re not sure if they are family at all. They just loved everyone they met, and I’d guess the feeling was mutual. Another special love of Mom’s were her books. An avid reader, we think she kept everybook she ever read. Mom lived alone after Pop’s passing in January 2001. Around 10 years later, she became unstable physically and eventually mentally. Her move into the Gardens of Statesville was a true blessing. From day one the staff fell for her, and till the end were such great caretakers for our mother. We can’t thank them enough for loving her. That goes for the Gordon Hospice House and then Community Hospice. She went to heaven not knowing that she would see her sister, Margaret and our precious Johnny. At their passing, she would not have known what we kept from her. But she knows now, and oh what a reunion. I would like at this time to say that when our dear Johnny passed in May 2014, we held a small family memorial per his and wife, Linda’s request. But I asked her permission to include John in the obituary and some words spoken of him at mom’s celebration of life for those who may still want to hear kind words about his life and speak to any family members. Mom is survived by a son, Norman “Buddy” McColl, Jr. (Jeanene) and daughters, Margaret Langendorfer (Bill), Betty Russell (Harold), Carolyn Foster (Jim), John’s wife, Linda McColl, Mary Jane Myers (Barry), 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a brother-in law. The celebration will be on Saturday December 3, 2016 at Concord Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Kyle Goodman officiating. The family will remain in the sanctuary to visit any and all that want to speak to us. : In lieu of flowers, we can think of no better way to honor Mom’s passion for books than to suggest memorials donations be sent to purchase books for children in need Internationally through Concord Presbyterian Church, 3867 Taylorsville Hwy., Statesville, NC 28625.   Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Louise “Tiny” McColl.