Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC

Obituary For Alice Wood McCluney

Alice Juanita Wood McCluney, 105, of Shelby, North Carolina departed this life on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at her home.

She was born June 24, 1918, in Cherokee County, SC, to the late Elifus Wood and Bessie Goode Wood. She was one of ten children. She began her education at Concord School in Gaffney, SC, where in the first grade, she was so much more advanced that it was decided to move her up to the third grade, skipping the second grade. From Concord School, she went to Mike’s Creek and from there to Whitworth School.

In 1936, this family moved to Earl, NC, into a house near First Baptist Church. She completed her education at Ellis Chapel School. At this time the 10th grade was the highest grade you could complete. While in school she met a young man named John Lee McCluney, who would go to a store owned by Mr. Harry Partter and buy candy to pass out to the girls. At 16, he came to her house to court her, but Alice liked another boy at this time. Apparently, John won her heart. Alice and John were married for 66 years prior to his death.

She has lived through 20 Presidents, the years of the Great Depression, Recession, prejudices and many wars.

Her hobbies were sewing, planting flowers, gardening and reading. Until the age of 100, she taught Sunday School on a regular basis. When her children were young, the yard was like the community playground. She had a God – like Spirit that caused people to respect her. A lot of days she would gather children inside the house and have bible study with them. After their children were married, she kept grandchildren and continued this same tradition with them. Up until her death, she took every opportunity to share a word of wisdom, encouragement, and a word from the word of God with whomever would lend their ear.

One of her most profound quotes was: “You can call me what you want to, but when Jesus comes you can call me gone”.

In addition to her parents, Elifus and Bessie Wood and her husband, John Lee McCluney, Sr., she is preceded in death by her brothers, J.D. Wood and Jamie Wood; her sisters, Louvenia McGill, Ernestine Epps, Etta Mae Smith, Rosa Lee Smith, Bessie Ruth Hartgrove and Blondell Robinson; daughters in law, Dianne McCluney, Cynthia McCluney, Ruth McCluney; granddaughter, Kendra McCluney; and a grandson, Quintin Leslie.

She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter and loving son in law, Elder Maxine and Stephen Degree (of the home); sons, Dr. Holland McCluney, of Shelby, NC, Joe McCluney (Faith) of Asheville, NC, Bishop Thomas McCluney (Margaret), Vice-Bishop, John McCluney, Jr., Earnest McCluney (Tropzie), Paul McCluney (Marilyn), Donald McCluney, all of Shelby, NC; step daughter, Susanne Richardson (Reece) of Louisburg, NC; brother, Howard Wood (Joyce) of Asheville, NC; a very special niece and nephew in law, Gloria Dean McClain (David) of Kings Mountain. The children whom she really poured her soul and heart into were her 27 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 52 great-great grandchildren; and four great-great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, church members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Shoal Creek Baptist Church and the receiving of family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Bishop Thomas McCluney will be officiating the services and Elder Maxine Degree will be delivering the eulogistic services. The burial will be held at First Baptist Church Earl, Earl, NC. The family is receiving friends at 417 Murdock Circle, Shelby, NC from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Guest Book

My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you all. Aunt Alice's prayers and presence will truly be missed. With Sympathy, Crista Cumberlander and Family

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Beam -Wray family send heartfelt condolences for the Wood- McCluney family Love you all and we are Praying with and for the entire family.

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Praying for our family during this time of loss. The James & Mattie Lee MCluney Smith Family

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To The Family: I am very sorry for your loss. I know that words can hardly express heartfelt feelings, but know that my heart is heavy. I lived next door to Mrs. McCluney and her family with my grandmother when I was a child. She was always so kind and friendly. I'll never forget one time I was struggling carrying a bucket of water (in the snow) to the house and one of her sons appeared and carried the bucket for me. In my heart, I felt that she sent him to help me and that she looked out for me. She was one of those people you just couldn't disrespect because of her caring kindness. May you all find peace and comfort in God during this difficult time...Donnie Caldwell & Sons.

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To the Wood and McCluney families, I was sad to hear of the passing of cousin Alice. She was such a joy to talk to. I didn't see her often but she always had that pleasant smile and a Word of encouragement each time I did. She has truly left an incredible legacy. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers of strength to you all. The Family of the late Lucille Wood Porter, Jonesville, SC

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TO THE FAMILY: WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, PLEASE KNOW THIS OUR PRAYERS AND HEARTFELT THOUGHTS ARE WITH EACH OF YOU . MAY THE LOVE OF GOD FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE OF COMFORT TO YOU. FROM BRENDA DABBS GOOLSBY & HUSBAND MICHEAL LEE GOOLSBY. CHARLOTTE , N.C.

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My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Woods and the McCluney family. What an amazing legacy Mother McCluney has left to her family and friends. Her lessons on life were manifested through her children, for respect and kindness comes naturally for them. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort during this time of grief and loss. Isabelle Dawkins Famble

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Family my you rejoice in the home going of Mother Mccluney as she said you can call her gone to a well earned reward. Pastor John and Fonda Houze. Be Blessed

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May the family rejoice in the home going of mother Mccluney as she said call her gone.The reward of a faithful servant. Be Blessed pastor John and Fonda Houze

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Love and Sympathy Reece & Susanne Richardson

- Susanne Richardson

Our condolences and prayers to the Woods & McCluney family. What a life, legacy and many memories you will forever have to share. We were blessed on several occasions to see and befriend Mother McCluney when attending services in Mauldin SC for her grandson Pastor C.A. McCluney. It's rewarding to know that she walked out her faith and now rest from her labor. COGIC South Carolina Jurisdiction Upstate District COGIC New Harvest Ministries COGIC

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Deep condolences to the family. - Mary A Dawkins & Family

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We offer our condolences to the Woods and McCluney family. A life well lived we glorify God for the times we all spent together.She was too precious to my grandmother Mrs.Mozella Turner Bullard.Neighbors for a lifetime. Family forever. Heaven is a shouting for a true child of the kingdom. We love you family and forever precious memories will live on. It's just another blessing. Roger/Suzette Ross...Ronald /Elizabeth Webber...Eric/Sharon Davis...Barry/Andrea McNeill...Mr.James Webber...our entire Webber and Bullard families 🙏🏽❤️

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Enloe Mortuary | Shelby, NC