Josie D McClain

Josie Dee Reynolds McClain. Whenever a member of the family of Josie Dee Reynolds McClain hears the song "You Are My Sunshine,' they automatically think of her. Not only was it one of her favorite songs, but it was the song she sang when she nurtured and comforted her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The classic song is also a perfect reflection of the light and love she brought to those around her. Sadly that light was dimmed Tuesday, September 18, 2012 with the passing of this beloved woman. Josie was born April 14, 1918 in Enola, Arkansas, the middle child of Ollie Mae Brown and George Marvin Reynolds. One of seven siblings, she was an accomplished student, graduating from Conway Public High School and then attending the State Teachers College, now known as University of Central Arkansas. In 1947 McClain went on a blind date that changed her life. She and Kenneth Radford McClain were married on August 31, 1949. The following year they began a family, and were blessed with three daughters. When her husband was serving in the U.S. Army and received an assignment in Tripoli, Libya, Josie summoned all of her faith to join him. That faith was a huge influence on her husband, and while stationed in North Africa Kenneth was baptized in the Mediterranean Sea. The family returned to the states and eventually made their home in Little Rock. Josie was a charter member of the Robinson & Center Church of Christ in Conway and was a former member of the Sixth & Izard Church of Christ and Mabelvale Church of Christ. Josie was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, who passed in 1994; her brothers George Reynolds and Robert Reynolds, and sisters Joy Hooper, Faber Woodruff and Betty Acruman. She is survived by daughters Brenda McClain and Dee Ann Howell and her husband, Bill of Conway; Marion Greene and her husband Jim of Marion, Ark.; three grandchildren, Ron Greene, Elizabeth Greene, Amber Bailey and her husband, Curtis; two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Addileigh. Other surviving relatives include Sister Marvine Ely and her husband Van of Fort Worth, Texas, along with many dearly loved in-laws, nieces and nephews. Funeral will be at 9:30 a.m.., Friday, September 21, 2012, at Roller-McNutt in Conway, Arkansas, with burial at the National Cemetery at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made to the Kenneth and Josie McClain Scholarship Fund, First Security Bank, ATTN: West Branch, P.O. Box 938, Conway, Ark. 72032. The online guest book can be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.