OBITUARY:
Lela Rose McLean Whitesides, 83, of Gastonia, North Carolina passed away quietly in her sleep November 4, 2014. She was born Fenruary 8, 1931, the eldest child of Leon Leslie McLean amd Thelma Dean Hodge McLean. She grew up during the Depression on her parents farm on New Hope Road, Gastonia, North Carolina.
She was a graduate of Ashley High School and graduated from Brenau College, Gainesville, Georgia, where she majored in English. After graduation from college she taught in the Atlanta public schools before moving back to Gastonia. While raising her family, she earned a Masters Degree in Education from UNCC. She then taught at Gaston Day School and the last 15 years of her teaching career was spent in the Gaston County public schools.
Ms. Whitesides was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, North Carolina.
A graveside service was held November 9, 2014 at Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Clover, South Carolina officiated by Rev. David Belle-Isle. Following the graveside service a Celebration of Life Service was held at the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Home, Gastonia, North Carolina.
Survivors include one daughter, two sons, one brother, one sister, and eight grandchildren.
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