Clara McLennan Shelton

Clara McLennan Shelton departed this life on August 21, 2024 after a brief illness. She passed away two days after celebrating her 90th birthday. Daughter of the late Terrell Daniel and Hattie Mae Hendren McLennan, she was a life-long resident of Tipton County. Mrs. Clara was a 1952 graduate of Brighton High School, Salutatorian of her class, and one of the first cheerleaders at the school. 

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington her entire adult life, singing in the choir for over 60 years and playing an active role in many church committees over the years. Mrs. Clara served as a counselor at Pinecrest Camp and was on the NaCoMe Board of Directors. Additionally, she served on the Presbyterian Women’s Board and in 2005, was presented with a Lifetime Membership in Presbyterian Women-Covington.

Mrs. Clara was not only active in her church, but her community as well. She and her husband owned and operated Tires, Inc. in Covington until his passing, and at that time she became a familiar face at Insouth Bank until her retirement. Mrs. Clara was a member of the Hereditary Order of Descendants of Colonial Governors, past President of the Tipton Arts Council, and graced the stage in many plays at the Ruffin Theater over the years. She loved to play Bridge with her group of wonderful friends and they would often refer to themselves as “The Old Crows.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Tunney Shelton; her daughter, Dyan Shelton Russell; and two brothers, James Alexander McLennan and Terrell Daniel McLennan, Jr. She is survived by her sister, Catherine McLennan Malone; her grandchildren, Michael Parks Russell (Melissa) and Terre Shelton Russell; and her great-granddaughter, Caroline Dyan Russell.

A celebration of life will be held for Mrs. Clara Shelton on Wednesday, August 28th, at 2p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Covington with Reverend Scott Sealy officiating. Cremation services are under the direction of Covington Funeral Home.  Interment will take place at a later date in Clopton Cemetery.

The family would like to send a special thank-you to Mrs. Clara’s pastor, Scott Sealy, and his wife, Robin, for all their visits, support, and kindness during her sickness.