Obituary of Mother Thelma Jean Maclin
THE HOMEGOING CELEBRATION HONORING Sunrise: January 17, 1934
Sunset: February 3, 2021
Family Hour 10:30 a.m.
Homegoing 11:00 a.m.
“Queen”
Mother Thelma Jean Maclin Co-Founder of New Maclin Temple Church of God in Christ
Saturday, February 13, 2021 The Open Door Church of God in Christ - Detroit 12411 East Seven Mile Road Detroit, MI 48205 Administrative Assistant Alan R. Evans, Officiant 1
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Obituary of Mother Thelma Jean Maclin
Order of Service - Elder Gregory Wilson Master of Ceremony Organ Prelude Processional Prayer
Supt. Stephan Jackson
Scripture 2 1
Old Testament
Min. A.B. Campbell
2 1
New Testament
Min. Michael Dorsey
Selection
The Buford Girls
Remarks (Two Minutes Please)
Local Church
Mo. Earlene Boothe
District
Miss’y Merri Moore
State
Mother Norma L. Burrell
Northeast Michigan Supervisor of Women
Selection
Sis. Yvette Wilson
Acknowledgment of Cards and Condolences, and Reading of the Obituary
Miss’y Maryann Woodard
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Obituary read in silence 2
Resolution
Miss’y Denise Morrison
Sermonic selection
Miss’y Shernetta Evans
Eulogy
Administrative Assistant Alan R. Evans
Recessional Organ Postlude 1
Please stand
2
Silence 3
The Obituary of “Queen”
Mother Thelma Jean Maclin It was a joyous celebration on January 17, 1934 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi when the youngest of ten children was born to Walter and Ida Bell Fair. She was named Thelma Jean, and was a happy and loving child. Her nine siblings preceded her in death. While growing up she observed two women adorned in long white dresses. She later learned they were sanctified and desired to be like them. She also heard the gospel of sanctification preached by the late Evangelist Levi during a revival. After relocating to Detroit, Michigan with her family, she continued to experience the presence of God at work in her life, and accepted Christ as her personal Saviour. She became a member of Mount Elliott Street Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Pastor, Prince Albert Brooks. She was gifted to sing, and loved singing in the choir. Her pastor requested that she sing the sermonic solo every Sunday. As a young woman, she served as an usher, member of the YWCC, and enjoyed cooking and baking, and was involved with fundraising for the church. As she continued to serve and love the Lord, she met and married the late James M. Maclin Sr. God blessed their marriage of nearly 56 years. They were blessed with six children. Three daughters and three sons who they raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and to love and serve people. God knew the plans he had for her life. In 1963, the late Pastor James M. Maclin Sr. and Mother Maclin assumed the leadership roles of Pastor and First Lady for forty five years. As Co-Founder of New Maclin Temple Church of God in Christ, She was truly a woman of God, prayer, faith, and love. Mother Maclin loved God, and his Word. She emphatically shared her testimony of struggles and challenges in her life, and would joyfully say, “Look Where He Brought Me From.” God used her mightily and crowned her with wisdom to teach and train young men and women how to live holy. She taught extensively about marriage and love, and family life. She was truly a missionary who ministered by precept and example. Mother Maclin had a deep, passionate, and genuine love for people. She ministered to people from every walk of life. God strengthened her hands to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide shelter to countless persons. Her love reached and touched so many which included her local church, district, state, and jurisdictional hierarchies. She could not travel to the Island of Jamaica, West Indies, but she unselfishly and generously sponsored missionaries to go, and provide for the needs there. 4
Obituary of Mother Thelma Jean Maclin
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Palms 116:15
She embraced the infant, child, youth, elderly, homeless, and hopeless. She was full of good works and almsdeeds, choosing to serve, rather than be served. She was not only a mother of her natural children, but had many sons and daughters in the gospel, and countless others. She would say, “I have so many children.” God gifted her to cook, and she loved it. Mother Maclin dearly loved her family. She lovingly prepared large meals in her home, especially on Tuesdays for her family to enjoy. She would joyfully spend long hours at the church cooking to bless her church family and others with special meals. Innumerable individuals testify to having eaten and enjoyed her delicious meals which included oxtail soup, fried chicken, potato salad, sweet potato pie, and peach cobbler. She was happy when she saw that her cooking was enjoyed and appreciated. Her favorite verse at meal times was “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6. The work of ministry was laborious. She would often say,“God brought me up on the rough side of the mountain,” as she relentlessly persevered in prayer, fasting, and working to build and grow the ministry. She was fervent in prayer, and many souls were saved. Mother Maclin received special recognition of her outstanding love, service, and work of ministry. On June 9, 2009, the late Bishop P.A. Brooks bestowed upon her the honorable name of “QUEEN MOTHER.” Mother Maclin’s entire family dearly loved and cared for her. During her illness her family and others provided care. She was affectionately known as “mama, grandmama, and gma, Aunt Thelma, and Queen Mother.” A ‘Great Matriarch’ has gone from among us into the presence of eternal love and fellowship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Her legacy of prayer, faith, service, and love will live on. She served and ministered faithfully until her health failed. On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, “Queen” Mother Thelma Jean Maclin departed this life with family at the bedside. She fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished her course. A good and faithful servant was called from labor to reward. Her children call her blessed. Let her own works praise her in the gates. “Queen” Mother Thelma Jean Maclin leaves to cherish her memory: 3 daughters, Mother Darlene(Evangelist Robert) Laney of Charlotte NC, Mother Linda (Deacon Alvin) Wells of McDonough, GA, Sister Earlena (Robert) Richardson; of Detroit, MI, 3 sons, Pastor James Malachi Jr. (Lady Sandra), Paul Jerome (Cathy) of Detroit, MI, and Tony Bernard (Heidy) of Duluth, GA; 23 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; Special Sister in love, Evangelist Katherine Campbell of Goodyear, AZ; a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews; cousins, 3 goddaughters; and the loving New Maclin Temple Church family. 5
Words of Love A Beautiful Soul
Dear Sweet Grandmother,
You are a beacon of hope, no matter the situation, or what life threw at us you were always there. From late night chats to early morning breakfast with oatmeal and cranberry juice you always made sure we felt loved. You were our special lady and you always made each of us feel special. From nick names and long goodbye, see you again hugs. You were a beautiful soul with a golden heart. You shared your love and care with everyone. Every day we will miss you more and more. Your life was an idyllic life to lead, and we will always cherish your memories. There will never be another mother or grandmother like you. Words can’t explain how we feel now that you are no longer with us. We always will carry on your legacy.
We are sending you a big box of goodbyes since we didn’t get to say any that day. No need to explain why; we completely understand why you couldn’t stay. So we send off this package full of our memories; imbued with your love, wisdom, and grace. Now that heaven is your new home, the package should get to it without any delay. Lexy stamped it, James took it to the mail, Michael and Phillip wrapped and chose the bow. Everyone included your great grands kids helped get it the car. It took a very large box to hold all the goodbyes we had for you and as much it hurts for us to let you go. We find solace and peace in where you left to go. Rest in Heaven our Queen; we salute you and although you’ve already heard it once, we say it again job well done!
Love, Your son Paul and family.
Forever loved, The Maclin Family (James & Sandra Maclin) Alexis, James (Latonya), Michael (Muriel), Phillip(Alisha)
In the Morning: The Queen Edition'
Our Heroine
We had our first of many breakfasts (prev fb post 9/2012). Birthday breakfast(Jan 17th; same bday as Michelle Obama; 87 years old). And now, our last breakfast (1/2021).
Her actions spoke loudly, while her presence was a present that we had the opportunity to receive. The lessons and values of love, faith, and humility resonate with each of us, and will be a part of us forever. In her embrace, security was felt; a pillar of strength in moments of challenge. Words cannot convey how the world won’t ever be the same now that she’s no longer here. My vow, to carry her with me and reflect her actions everyday as her memory lives through us; our silent HEROINE.
You fed me first(6 week old baby. I never had to go to daycare). And I fed you last(pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, apple sauce) Mother Thelma Jean Maclin(Grandma) You have done your Best. A life of love and prayers. You taught us all so much. Everyday I glean to learn and achieve better. Through it all(good days, bad days, hardships, sickness, pain, tears, trials/tribulation), we have learned to put our trust in the Lord. For we know that it will be ALL over 'In The Morning'. “One bright/glad morning when this life is over.” Miss you so much and to be with you til your last breath(February 3, 2021; her grandson birthday). You did more for me than I did for you, but God did more than us both, when He gave you Your Wings. Selah. Can you hear mother singing? “Oh I'll fly away, Oh glory I’ll fly away”
Love, Bo
I Miss You Mama, I sit and think of how I will not see you ever again, you taught me many things about life, now you and daddy are together in the sky, you are still the apple of daddy’s eye, You told me this day would come. I miss you, and will always love you. Love, Maine Maine
Love Always, Tamara Jeanene Hopkins aka 'Your Hammy'
The Call
For All The Times
Grandmama, I’ll miss calling you everyday. I’ll always love you. Love, Eddie
For all the times you gently picked us up when we fell down, for all the times we shared kisses, for all the laughter and love, for all the times you taught us about the teaching from above. Grief is the final act of love, We love you grandma.
Grandma,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Thank you for the love and care you’ve shown to me. No one else can take your place. Love, L J
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Ms. Fastie, Jada, LaToya, Jazsmine
Obituary of Mother Thelma Jean Maclin
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“Queen”
Mother Thelma Jean Maclin Pallbearers
Carlos Maclin LaRenzo Buford Eric Maclin Edwin “Bo” Hopkins Phillip Maclin TJ Maclin
Honorary Pallbearers Eld. Gregory J. Wilson Eld. Robert Laney Eld. Carl Lett Dea. A. Wells
Dea. R. Woodard Dea. J. Buford Bro. Trii Richardson Robert Richardson Sr.
Robert Richardson Jr. Jermaine Richardson Willie Fair
Special Caregivers
Flowerbearers
Family and Friends
Family Members Mo. Nellye Goode Sis. Joy Resendiz Loving Memories - Mo. Carla Scott
Final Arrangements Entrusted to
Interment
Cantrell Funeral Home
Elmwood Cemetery
22121 Kelly Rd. Eastpointe, MI 48021
1200 Elmwood St, Detroit, MI 48207
Acknowledgments The family of the late Mother Thelma Jean Maclin wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, calls, prayers, and many other expressions of kindness and concern evidenced at this time, in thoughts and deeds. A more personal acknowledgment will be made at a later time. Designed by Rendezvous Visual Communications | Rhondavousgd@gmail.com 8