The Obituary The Reverend Dr. Michael Eldred McLean

Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die

The Reverend Dr. Michael Eldred McLean was born in Erwin, NC to the late Rev. Edward Clifton McLean, Sr. and Mrs. Mildred Ray McLean on September 11, 1958. He departed this life on February 20, 2022 at Atrium Hospital, Charlotte, NC.

A Time to Grow

Rev. McLean’s spiritual journey began at the Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church, Durham, NC and his formative spiritual foundation was fortified at the historic Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Rev. McLean accepted his call to the Christian ministry in 1978 at Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church, Greensboro, NC under the leadership of The Reverend Edgar N. French. He received his Deacon’s Ordination under the leadership of Bishop Alfred G. Dunston, Jr.; Elder’s Ordination under the leadership of Bishop Cecil Bishop.

A Time to Glean

Rev. McLean was educated in the Guilford County Schools where he graduated from James Benson Dudley Sr. High School, Class of 1976. He furthered his educational journey attending Livingstone College, Salisbury, NC where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, 1980. He enrolled in Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC, 1981-1984, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. In 2008, Rev. McLean earned a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min) from Hood Theological Seminary.

A Time to Serve

Rev. McLean’s Pastoral Appointments were: St. James, South Port, NC; Mt. Hebron, Hallsboro, NC; Warner Temple, Wilmington, NC; Varick Chapel, Asheville, NC; Bethesda, Mooresville, NC; St. Philip, Wrightsville, NC; Swift St., Greensboro, NC, and East Stonewall, Charlotte, NC. He served the present congregation for 17 years, 2005-2022. One of the highlights at East Stonewall was the building of the James E. McCoy Family Life Center. His church involvement included: served on various Finance Committees in the Cape Fear, Blue Ridge, and Western North Carolina Conferences. He served as Chairman of the Evangelism Committee of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference and Piedmont Episcopal District. He was also Chair of Charlotte District Studies. He was a duly elected ministerial delegate to six Quadrennial Sessions of the General Conference.

A Time to Expand

His professional career included being a Grants Writer and Housing Coordinator for the Ashville Housing Authority, 1988-1992. He also worked as a Deputy Sheriff in the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department, Whiteville, NC, 1978-1987. Civic affiliations included: Member of Civitan International, Iredell County; Member of H.R. Commission, Mooresville, NC; Member of the Board of Directors, Mooresville YMCA and Board of Directors, Shaw Speaks Community Center, Wilmington, NC. Memberships included: The Executive Committee of Livingstone College National Alumni Association; Local Officer & member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc; and various other organizations. He received the Mooresville Y.M.C.A. Rose Award, 1997; He was a Livingstone College Silver Graduate and was inducted into the Livingstone College Hall of Fame.

A Time to Love

Rev. McLean had a love for music of all genres. He wrote and put to music an original song “She is my Mother” in honor of his mother, whom he loved dearly. He was an avid fisherman, traveler, and a great cook. He was a careful listener and conversationalist, and mentor to so many. He was a Spiritual Father to several sons and daughters in the gospel preaching ministry. He was selfless in sharing his gifts with those who sought his counsel. He was a lover of people, a confidant to many and a well-respected friend.

A Time to Remember

Preceding him in death include, his father, the Reverend Edward C. McLean, Sr., two infant siblings, Edwina and Christopher McLean and granddaughter Olivia Grace Stitt. He leaves to cherish his memory a wife of 37 years, Mrs. Gloria Hall McLean, daughters, Kristin Yvonne McLean, and Brittany Michelle (Martinous) Stitt, one granddaughter, Malia Faith Stitt, all of Charlotte, NC; Mother, Mrs. Mildred R. McLean, Greensboro, NC; Siblings: Edward C. (Debra) McLean, Greensboro, NC; Eddena R. (David) McLean-Collins, Esq., Greensboro, NC; The Reverend Dr. David A. McLean, Charlotte, NC; Mother-in-Love, Mrs. Gloria Askew and Father-in-Love Mr. Ezell Askew, Hallsboro, NC; Brother-in-Law Mr. Michael (Rebekah) Hall, Shannon, NC; Brother-in-Law Dr. Ezell Askew, MD, Lodi, CA; Uncle-in-Law Mr. Albert (Rosetta) Mitchell, Carolina Beach, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; God Daughter, Chelsea Roberts and Special Niece, Tamika (T.T.) Ray. He will forever be missed by his loyal and loving toy poodle Chloe.

A service honoring his life will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Trinity AME Zion Church located at 631 East Florida St., Greensboro, NC 27406.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Viewing will be on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at East Stonewall AME Zion Church located at 1729 Griers Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28216, 5:00-7:00 PM.

Interment: Lakeview Memorial Park.

Live Stream Trinity A. M. E. Zion Church Facebook or YouTube.

Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.