Lurlena (Goolsby) McClain

Lurlena Goolsby McClain, age 101 was born on June 25 th , 1924 in Monticello, Georgia. She departed this life peacefully in her sleep at her residence surrounded by her family on November 19, 2025. 
Lurlena was the 10th  of 11 children born to the union of Gils Goolsby and Willie Ann Rooks. Lurlena received her formal education from the Public School System inSteven, GA. She became a Christian at age 12 at Thankful Baptist Church, Steven,GA. She moved from Athens, Georgia to Columbus, Ohio at the age 17 to Iive with her brother Aaron and his wife Marie.She was united in Matrimony to David McClain Sr in 1948. She had 2 sons Eli and David Jr. She became a member of Bethany Baptist Church in August 1953, under Pastor A.L. Mason, Wilson Wood and now under Pastor Jonathan Bradford. 

She was preceded in death by her husband David McClain Sr; son; Eli McClain;  parents, Gils and Willie Ann Goolsby;  sisters, Lillian Clemmons, Lettie Morse, Rosa Stovall, Ellen Goolsby, Cora Collin’s; brothers, Aaron Goolsby, Eli Goolsby, Charles Goolsby and Johnny Goolsby.

She is survived by her Son,  David (Brenda) McClain Jr;  Grandsons, David McClain III and Shawn McClain; Sister, Lorine Stovall of Atlanta, GA;  sister-in-laws, Alberta Brown and Luella; former daughter in-law, Marsha Johnson, caregiver and special niece, Ruby Goolsby, special godchildren, Derek Dearmin, Tina Dixon, Stephanie Barton and Bernice Collins. Many  godchildren of love;  nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews, great great nieces and nephews, cousins and including all of Bethany Baptist members are my special friends.

Home -Going Celebration 11AM Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Bethany Baptist Church, 959 Bulen Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Family will receive friends 10AM until time of service.  Interment, Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Road.  

Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43227, 614-444-1463

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