“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” — Proverbs 31:29–31
Margie Fern (Shaw) McClure, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, entered her heavenly home on November 30, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born December 31, 1933, in Newark, Arkansas, the daughter of James William and Elsie Elizabeth Shaw.
Fern was raised in a large, loving, close-knit family. With five sisters, four brothers, and a wide circle of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins nearby, she grew up surrounded by the kind of steady, everyday affection that shaped her gentle and generous spirit. She greeted those she loved with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek – small gestures that made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. That gift of kindness became her hallmark throughout her life.
In 1951, Fern married the love of her life, Ernest Hayden McClure, beginning a marriage that lasted 69 years until his passing in 2020. Hayden often said she was the only girl he ever kissed, and their lifelong devotion was an example of quiet, enduring love. Even in later years, family members would fondly note how close they always sat together – an unmistakable picture of a bond that never dimmed.
Fern worked as an RCA employee and later as a beautician, but the role she cherished most was being “Mom.” She poured her heart into raising her children, Judy and Scott, creating a Christian home rooted in faith, kindness, respect, and service to others. Her love extended naturally into the next generations, where she became “Aunt Fern” and “Mamaw,” a steady presence at gatherings, celebrations, and everyday life moments. Her legacy is reflected in the values she instilled and in the many lives she touched with her unwavering warmth and grace.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Hayden; her parents; and her siblings Fred Shaw, Issac “IJ” Shaw, J.E. Shaw, Roy Lee Shaw, Helen Wygal, Lucille Gabris, Ann Lewallen and Geneva Long.
She leaves behind a family who adored her: her children, Judy Rice and husband Harvey of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Scott McClure and wife Drenna of O’Fallon, Missouri; seven grandchildren – Melissa and Paul (Rachel) LaFrain, Derek (Brandy), Stuart (Allison), and Ethan (Madeline) McClure, Jason (Amanda) Rice, and Shelly Rice; and her great-grandchildren – Bryce and Emmett LaFrain, and Christopher Poe; Hayden, Oliver, Kaylee, and Kelsey McClure; and Madeline and Matthew Rice. She is also survived by her precious sister, Ruby June Smith of Newark, Arkansas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who will carry her memory with them always.
Visitation will be held on Dec. 3, 2025, at Cord Baptist Church at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark.
Pallbearers honored to serve include Derek McClure, Ethan McClure, Paul LaFrain, Jason Rice, Bryce LaFrain and Barry Lillard. Honorary pallbearers include her nephews. The funeral sermon will be delivered by Stuart McClure.
Arrangements are entrusted to Jackson’s Funeral Home, Newport, Arkansas.
