Judith "Judy" McClelland

Judith R. McClelland (Judy) 85. On March 12th, 2024, Judy left her residence at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek’s Health Center in St Johns, FL, passing from life to life everlasting. Born December 31st, 1938 in Gainesville, FL, she spent the first years of her life in Monticello, FL. In 1953 the family moved to Jacksonville. Judy graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in June of 1957, immediately joining the workforce at Prudential Life Insurance Company (SCHO), where she continued her employment until her retirement 37 years later on August 16, 1994. She especially loved her years at Prudential and received much recognition and many awards during her tenure there.

On August 13th, 1957 Judy married the love of her life, Jim McClelland, and that union lasted 66+ years. Judy and Jim enjoyed their lake place at Crystal Lake, Keystone Heights, FL, flying in Jim’s small Cessna airplane, and later, their place in the beautiful North Carolina mountains near Boone. They also traveled all over the United States, into Canada, and to Alaska in the different RV’s they owned. They took several trips to Colorado to ski with family and friends. Judy loved cooking, gardening, and travel and was always a wonderful hostess, making any who visited her home feel so welcome and comfortable. Judy and Jim were members of Mandarin United Methodist Church, where she was in a Ladies’ Circle, taught Bible studies in her home, sang in the choir, and helped out wherever she could. She and Jim also volunteered at Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC. She had a true servant’s heart and loved her Savior Jesus completely.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Olen E. and Wilma E. Ray, sister, Barbara Sullivan, brother, Marshall Ray and nephews Michael Sullivan and Todd Ray. She leaves to mourn her passing her beloved husband Jim McClelland, sisters Carolyn Cannon (Ray), Elaine Overby (Buddy), dear nieces Janice Cannon-Kyte and Donna Cannon and Donna’s daughter Rachael. She was especially close to her sister-in-law, Beverly (McClelland) Lindsey, and niece Robin Hall. Her dear, dear friend Carole Durden was her “sister of the heart”. She also leaves behind many other nephews and nieces and so many friends whose lives she blessed throughout her life.

Judy was a warm, sweet, and kind lady and all who knew her fell in love with her radiant smile and thoughtful, caring way.

The family is truly grateful for the wonderful care and support Judy received at Westminster Woods Health Center, and also from the staff of Community Hospice and Palliative Care. So many of these folks made her last days comfortable and peaceful. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

A memorial service is planned for May 9th, 2024, 1:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home chapel, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, with a reception to follow at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, 25 State Road 13, St Johns, FL at 2:30 PM.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or Mandarin United Methodist Church, 11270 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223