Gladys McClain

The Dutiful Elder Gladys McClain was born on May 20, 1970 to Donald and the late Adele A. Artis. She lived with her family in Brooklyn New York where she attended public school 91, Mahalia Jackson intermediate school, and Wingate high school.

She was employed as a home health aide and also worked in the payroll department at Premier Home Healthcare for 18 years. Elder Gladys McClain grew up in the church. In her youth she attended New Hope Pentecostal Church with her mother. She spoke many times about the shut in services they used to hold. She later became a member of the Upper Room Tabernacle of Deliverance Pentecostal Church under the leadership of the late Chief Apostle Dr. Mary Winston. Elder Gladys McClain studied under Upper Room’s Bible school and achieved certificates in Christian Workers, Evangelism and Bible Survey. Elder Gladys McClain was a servant of many talents and operated in various offices. She was an usher, a choir member and director, a worship and praise leader, a missionary, an evangelist, a prophet and Elder. She was a gifted caterer best known for her fried chicken and baked macaroni and cheese. She was skillful with making pins, corsages and decorating. She enjoyed volunteering to feed the homeless, volunteering in nursing homes and visiting the sick. Elder was also the church comedian. She always kept everyone laughing and entertained with her stories and her antics. There was never a dull moment with Elder around.

With the passing of the late Chief Apostle Dr. Winston, Elder McClain did not throw in the towel and give up. She continued her works under the leadership of Pastor Felicia Summers assisting with continuing the legacy that was passed down, putting on programs and being supportive to others as well and being used by the Lord in prophetic ministry.

On Thursday, May 3, 2018, the Lord in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call Elder to come home from her cares and labors. By our measure of time her time with us was cut too short but God knows best the need of his servant. Elder Gladys McClain leaves behind her father Donald Artis, son Joel Winston II, daughter in law Tiara Thomas, two grandchildren Anyla Winston and Aria Chavous, brothers Stub and Deborious McClain, sisters Lora  and Louise McClain, sisters in Christ Pastor Felicia Summers and Pastor Aleatha Carter, nieces Tanayja and Benita McClarin, nephews Donavon McClarin, John, Linwood, Doc, and James McClain, Godmother Deaconess Tina Halsey and a host of godchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Elder often dreamed of meeting Chief Apostle Winston at the Gates of Heaven but Chief would never allow her to enter, now Elder has made it into the other side of the Gates and although we all miss you, we share your joy in you making it in.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys McClain, please visit our floral store.