Gloria Jean "Tootsie" McLain

Gloria "Tootsie" McLain, of 200 Simmons St.,  Sanford, NC passed on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at her residence.

Gloria Jean McLain, a resident of Lee County, departed this life, Wednesday, the 18th of December, 2019. Born June 22, 1948, in Sanford to Polly Ann McLean and Silas Lee Newby. Raised by her grandmother, Ruth Catherine McLean McIver and husband, Obie McIver. Gloria received her education in the Lee County School System, and was a 1966 class member of W. B. Wicker School. She went on to receive her CNA license from Central Carolina Technical Institute in 1987. 

She was a member of Blandonia Presbyterian Church on Wall Street, in Sanford, NC since childhood and frequently visited Robinson Chapel AME Zion Church, in Sanford, NC, with long-time friend, Verta Mae Jackson. Gloria was compassionate and enjoyed helping others, providing in home healthcare with Parkview-In-Home Aide and was a medical technician and supervisor with Oak Haven Retirement Home, a resident facility where she worked for 30+ years. 

Affectionately known as “Tootsie,” she loved socializing with family and friends, dressing up for social events, and most of all, she loved to cook. She was not only well-known, but a cheerful person, who had a smile that warmed your heart. Tootsie did not meet strangers. She was a mother to many and gave supportive advice to all she encountered, making all who came in contact with her feel loved and welcomed. She was a straight-forward person and didn’t mind letting you know it. Tootsie was well loved by both young and old and her legacy will harbor positive influence for generations to come. 

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Cynthia Newby, the love of her life, Freddie Lee Sanders and her friend, Kathryn Snipes.

Cherished memories are left to her three children, Adolphus Frazier McLain, Loletta McLain, and Vernell Maurice McLain (Karen); fourteen grandchildren, Sade’ McLain Wicker (Delorian), Adolphus Frazier McLain Jr., Kelsey Vondra Marsh, Dwayne Lamont Solomon, Jr., Chasatie Vernell Toomer, Maurice De’Quann McLain, Margrianna Verna’ McLain, Aneesha Vernell McLain, Adonijah La’Frazier McLain, Amari Tyrek McLain, Vernell Maurice McLain, Jr, Dylan Carter McLain, Josiah Avent Dowdy and Jahloni Izaih Reaves; two great grandchildren, Amaria Yarborough-McLain and Ryleigh Starr Solomon, six siblings, Willie Newby (Wanda), Silas Newby (Laverne), Henry Newby (Lorraine), Clyde Newby (Ola Faye), Ralph Newby (Freda), and Gervis Newby Kelly (Paul); one very special sister, cousin and friend, Ms. Lula Knotts Thomas; special children that she loved as her own; John Frazier McIver, Ricardo Davis, Casaundra Davis, Revonia Belcher, Cheikeida Belcher, Thomas “Mack” Jackson, Edward Adams, Charles Patterson, Angela Smith-Martin, Yolanda Williams-McIver and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, Loletta McLain, 600 Willow Oak Dr. Apt. Q, Sanford, NC 27330 (Autumn Oaks Apartments)

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford