CONNECT WITH US

McLean, Frances Bodwon (Mrs. C. E.)

3/15/1969

MRS. FRANCES BOWDON McLEAN

April 9, 1893-March 15, 1969

Mrs. Frances Bodwon McLean, widow of the Reverend C. E. McLean, was born on April 9, 1893, at Pelican, La. and passed away March 15, 1969, at the age of 75 at Lincoln General Hospital, Ruston. Her final resting place is in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Oak Ridge, La.

Mrs. McLean was no stranger to me when I retired, moved to Ruston, and became her neighbor. She was a dear friend—a member of a family that I have known since boyhood, and to whom I’ve been very close. She was the wife of a brother minister of the Louisiana Conference and a sister to a brother Methodist minister whom I was privileged to know through the years.

There are many memories that flood my thoughts at this time—too numerous to name. Her home-going was a triumphant one! While her loved ones and friends mourn her passing, we rejoice that she was one whose faith in her Lord enabled her to overcome the world. Mrs. McLean had gone on to her eternal reward, reunited with those whom she loved and lost awhile. You see, Christ governed her life, and because He governed her life she was vibrant and joyous in her Christian witness. She had an enthusiasm for life, a warm support for the Church, and a deep concern for her fellow man. Never did prejudice of any kind dim her vision.

Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly”. That abundant life of joy was hers, even though her life was not an easy one, as she and her husband were laborers in the ministry when times were not easy.

Though her life had its share of heartbreak, she maintained her zest for living. She loved people and always had a friendly smile and greeting for each person she met. One always left her presence feeling uplifted. She was a great lover of flowers and her garden, and it was her delight to share the fruits of her labors with her neighbors and friends.

She was a loyal person—loyal to her family. The men and women that a home produces usually reflect the character and training of that home. The fine sons and daughters of the McLeans bear testimony of a Christian home and Christian training. How proud Mrs. McLean was of her children! She and her husband sacrificed much to see that each of them secured a good education.

She was loyal to her Church. I can see her now--leaning forward with a glow on her face—drinking in every word of any message from the pulpit. And on the way home it would always be “the greatest sermon” she ever heard. She was a loyal Methodist and made a wonderful contribution to her minister husband.

She was loyal to her God. While on her bed only a few days before she left us, she wrote “God loves me.” She had put her faith and trust in Him, and it remained to the end. She said to one of her daughters only a little while before the end, “I want to live—I love life—I love my family—but God knows His business, and if I die, it’s all right.” Surely it was all right. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” And now she is with her loved ones and with her Christ, whom she loved and served so faithfully.

Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1969; p. 231

CONNECT WITH US

Search✖

McLean, Frances Bodwon (Mrs. C. E.)