Lu Asher McClellen, who passed away on March 8, 2018, was born May 25, 1936 in a three room hospital at Liberty Hill, Texas, the only child of Jimmie and Nata Lee Asher. She lived on the family ranch, riding horses, fishing, and hunting with her father. She attended a four room school, graduating from the eighth grade, and then attended Georgetown High School. Lu and her family still own the Asher Ranch, which has been in the family for over a hundred years. She was saved and baptized at age seven and has been a member of Shiloh Terrace Baptist church for 58 years.
When she was sixteen, her father became a full time Minister of Music and Education at First Baptist Church in Cameron, Texas. Lu graduated from Yoe High School in Cameron before entering Baylor University where she majored in Journalism and Education. She graduated in three years so she could marry First Lt. James Bryce McClellen who had graduated from Baylor two years before. They married on May 25, 1957, her 21st birthday. They were married 50 years before his death in 2008.
The newlyweds lived an Air Force life in Mississippi and Kansas where Lu taught school. With Jim's degree in Physics, he became an engineer. They moved back to Texas, where James Keith and Dawn Lee were born. Dawn Lee had a twin sister, Eve Aimee who lived just two days. Although not identical, they were both redheads and looked alike. Lu returned to teaching first grade and taught on closed circuit television for all Mesquite Elementary schools for five years. She continued to pursue graduate degrees at Texas A&M Commerce and Texas Woman's University until she was awarded her Doctorate of Education in 1974.
Dr. McClellen taught at Eastfield College for ten years, being named Dean of Career and Continuing Education in 1981. She served as president of several state organizations, made speeches nationwide, was named Eastfield Innovator of the Year in 1990. She retired in 1991 due to scoliosis.
Lu's family was her pride and joy. They were active in church activities, camped out, rode motorcycles (Lu had her own Honda), and were involved in Scouting. James became an Eagle Scout. Dawn majored in Education as well. They both received Masters degrees. James has been married to Karen Wright for 39 years; they have three sons, one daughter, and two grandchildren. Dawn has been married to Patrick Seaman, Sr. for 36 years; they have two sons.
She spent many of her senior years volunteering. She worked with young children in Sunday School for 25 years, was a mentor for young women in the Job Training Corps, and worked with abused wives in Garland. Her hobbies included gardening and playing bridge weekly for 26 years. She was a member of the Shiloh Terrace Co-Ed Sunday School class in her later years and loved the members like family. She was able to stay in her home in Garland due to the loving neighborhood.
The highlights of Lu's senior years were her six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Gabriel and Norah. Three of the grandsons are Eagle Scouts. She bragged constantly about their many degrees and accomplishments. Lu's family never bragged about her cooking skills, except macaroni and cheese.
Lu was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and infant daughter. She is survived by her children, James McClellen and spouse Karen, Dawn Seaman and spouse Patrick; grandchildren Andrew McClellen and spouse Doug McDonald, Beth Banda and spouse Ed, Zachary McClellen and fiancée Kim Johnson, Patrick Seaman Jr., Blake Seaman, and Jonathan McClellen; and great grandchildren Gabriel and Norah Banda. Please make donations to the Shiloh Terrace College Scholarship fund.
God has been good.
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