Vanella Margaret Allen McLain
Who can find a virtuous woman?  For her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (Proverbs 31:10-13)
On August 28, 2010 at 2:50 a.m. Vanella Margaret Allen McLain of Little Rock, SC, having lived a virtuous life answered the call of her heavenly father.  Vanella was the eldest of 13 children from the union of the late Marie Wortham Allen and the late Thomas Fred Allen.  She was the wife of the late Hector McLain for 67 years.
She attended the public schools of Dillon County and received her high school diploma.  She was a faithful member of McCoy’s Chapel UMC from an early age.
Through the years she served in many capacities such as the Usher Board, Choir, Communion Stewardess, Kitchen Committee and President of the United Methodist Women for many years.
She was a dedicated member of the Bright Star of the Valley #217, OES for many years.  IN addition, she was a member of the Tent “The Pride of Little Rock” and also a member of the NAACP.
For many years she toiled the fields as the wife of a farmer.  In her latter years she was employed by South of the Border until her retirement in 1986.  Since the passing of Hector McClain, she was the oldest serving member in McCoy’s Chapel.
She was a pillar of the community, and gave unselfishly to her fellowman.  She was humble, and served as a role model for her family and the community.  She was looked upon as a surrogate mother by man, whom she befriended through family ties.
She was honored many times by her family, friends, and church family, for being a good steward and the matriarch of the community.
She leaves to cherish her legacy, 14 children, Horace/Juanita, Bronx, NY; Delpina, Brooklyn, NY; Elreta/Henry, Brooklyn, NY; James/Linda, North, SC; Harold/Carolyn, Santee, SC; Caesar preceded her in death, Hector Benjamin, Little Rock, SC; Billy/Arnetha, Fountain Inn, SC; Denise/Von, Hamer, SC; Thomas, Little Rock, SC; Sherry/John, Dillon, SC.  This union also gave rise to 39 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.  One sister Marva Cooke, Delaware, One special aunt, Jessie Ford, two special nephews Kenneth/Mary, Major/Hattie Mae, special cousins Robert/Teresa and Pensacola Smith, 2 special godchildren Teddy and Lucy, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.  (Revelation 21:4)