On the 17th of January in the year of our Lord 1956, Glen Eric McLellan was born to parents Eddie M. Townsend and David McLellan. He was their 7th and final child, making him the most beloved baby brother anyone had ever had. He grew up with 4 adoring sisters [Annie, Dorcas, Patricia, and Vera Jean] and 2 older brothers [David and William] and every one of them saw the rare beauty of their brother’s heart. He went to Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA, studied at Tidewater Community College, and joined the US Marine Corp, solidifying the McLellans as a military family.
The love of God was the foundation upon which this family was built and the way it was able to thrive. Glen was taught to be a true believer, entering the Marines as a Chaplin’s Assistant, he went to war with the desire to give peace, respect, and solemnity to the deaths of young people who had been willing to give their lives in the defense of their families, their nation, and their faith in God. He also hoped to share the Good News with others as he traveled the world. His relationship with God passed easily from person to person with the calm, easy confidence that everyone around him could feel stemming from his unshakable love of the Word and the strength of his faith.
Glen was a creative person who could draw and paint, loved cars, and was a talented storyteller. He had an infectious smile and a big memorable laugh that telegraphed his easy-going spirit and open heart. After the military, Glen worked different odd jobs and often worked at the shipyards. He was looking forward to working with his niece as a driver for her company and as always looked forward to more travel and beautiful days. He spent most of his time with family members and gained gratification from serving church members, fulfilling his lifetime calling of serving God with humility and a generous heart. He continued this way for his entire life, and he was happy.
Glen was able to start his own family during his tours of duty in the Marines where he met, fell in love with, and married Joyce Jean of Southern CA. Their loving and youthful union shortly produced two daughters, Katrina La Faye, and Sheree Michelle. Time and war changes much, and although the two young people who had married each other at the age of 18 were no longer together; the bond between the father and his baby daughters was never broken. After several years of separation, they eventually found each other once again. Glen was able to establish relationships with his daughters so that each person in his life got to hear about it as often as he could make it happen. Glen loved his girls, and they loved him right back.
After some time, Glen was able to open his heart and found himself in love with a woman he met in church, and they soon married. Sheila and Glen were able to nourish and raise her daughters, Aiyana Floyrie and Jamella Lisa making them the 3rd and 4th daughters Glen was able to love and guide for the rest of his life. He called each of his girls at least once a week, each at their own specific day and time. He began each call with the word, “Hey baby, how you doin’?” His continued love has been a touchstone for his girls, and they have been a shining source of pride for him for the rest of his days.
Glen’s service in the church as a Deacon was truly admirable. He made sure he was available for fellowship and shared his faith and love of God at services at the Little Grove Baptist Church, following the teachings of the Word of the Lord, Jesus Christ, ministered by Pastor Ralph Richardson, III, who is also a beloved childhood friend. He continues to be an example of unconditional love and vulnerability of spirit that will continue to show us all what love and faith can look like when it is strong and remains unchanged regardless of circumstance.
Glen McLellan passed away a favorite child and continues into the afterlife on a cloud of humility and respect. Glen leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Katrina Allen(Kaleb), Sheree Ohen (James), Aiyana Sweat (Shaun), and Jamella Dildy. His surviving and beloved siblings Annie “Cookie” McLellan-Ausby, Dorcas “Dot” McLellan; William McLellan (Denise); and Vera Jean McLellan; four grandchildren Niyana Dildy, Serenity Slight, Kharys Sweat, and Amari Ohen, and a host of nieces, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Glen is predeceased by his mother Eddie M. Townsend; father, David McLellan; sister Patricia Y. McLellan-Carmichael, and brother David McLellan. He will be laid to rest as a Decorated and Honorably Discharged Marine Corp Non-commissioned Officer. He will be laid to rest at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, in Suffolk, Virginia, near his family seat and his birthplace.
