Joy Goodman McClellan

McClellan Joy Obit pic

Joy Goodman McClellan, a resident of Waco, died Tuesday morning , May 23, 2017 in her home after a brief battle with cancer.

Private Memorial Service: Will be held at a later date

Joy was born October 17, 1933 in Big Springs, the daughter of Horace and Mildred Jones Goodman. She was the third child of three children in the Horace Goodman family. Two brothers, Horace C. Goodman, Jr. and Jimmy Carie Goodman preceded her in birth and death. Her mother, Mildred, preceded her in death in 1947 when Joy was only 14 years old. Joy completed high school at San Marcos Baptist Academy in San Marcos in May 1950, earning the highest honors.

She was employed by Bell Telephone Company in El Paso until September 1953, when she enrolled in Howard Payne College in Brownwood. She met Billy Lynn McClellan and after five months of dating, announced her engagement to be married August 6, 1954. At the time of her death, Joy and Billy had been married 63 years and 289 days. Two sons, Russell Lynn and Stanley Archer McClellan were born to this marriage.

Joy received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Howard Payne College in 1957. She worked as a public school teacher in Georgetown, Texas and Valley Mills, Texas, towns in which her husband, pastored Baptist churches. She also taught in elementary school in the Clint Independent School District before becoming a Middle School Librarian. Joy completed her educators career as Librarian of University High School in Waco.

Joy lived 83 years and 125 days, which were filled with love for her family, dedication to her faith and sometimes a bit of a struggle. True to her name, she was blessed with a joyful spirit. She was a sensitive, caring and loyal woman who loved her family intensely and without reservation. She loved music and was an excellent pianist. Her family remembers her house was always filled with music. She was a Librarian who loved books and was organized in every way. She created beautiful scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren to treasure. She also enjoyed movies, particularly funny ones like the Marx Brothers, Princess Bride, Monty Python or classics like Pride and Prejudice and any Charles Dickens story and Les Miserables.
Joy was quick witted and sly! In recent years, she enjoyed keeping up with her grandchildren online, earning the nickname “the Facebook Stalker.” Family members are overwhelmed by the fondest memories of a patient teacher, a loyal friend and a loving mother who consistently gave of herself for the betterment of her family and community.

Joy is survived by her husband, Billy L. McClellan; two sons, Russell Lynn and Stanley Archer McClellan; four grandchildren, Matthew Ryan McClellan, Emily Christine McClellan Sparks, Elijah Carl McClellan and Eryn Celeste McClellan; four great-grandchildren; and a wonderful group of long time and short time friends mourn her passing.

Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr
Waco, TX 76708
United States (US)
Phone: (254) 752-5900

Place of Service: null,



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Condolence Messages

  1. Tony and Jacqueline Tetrick

    Having known Joy & Billy for almost 25 years has been a blessing for both of us. Joy was a true friend, always there to listen, laugh with or console. We shared many memories with the family, and thank our Lord for her testimony and celebrate her life as a blessing to so many friends, her students and to her family. Thank you you Billy and Family for sharing Joy with us. Tony and Jacqueline

    • Terry Chavez Campillo ( x-student Clint,Texas)

      My sincere condolences to you and your family . And may God give you peace and comfort in these difficult days .

  2. David & Rusty Bryson

    Billy and Family,
    We have known and loved Joy for 40 years. She was a mentor to us, a blessing to our children and my best friend. We rejoice knowing we will see her again as our God has promised us this. Thank you for sharing Joy with us and we thank God daily for her Christian influence on many people. She was a strong, kind, loving woman of God. God bless you all. Love ❤️

  3. Beverly lewis

    I worked with Joy at Clint Junior High School many years ago where she became a really good friend. My condolences to her family.

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