Wilbert McLean, Sr's Obituary
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Wilbert Augustus McLean, Sr. was born on 9 June 1927 in Jerusalem Clarendon, Jamaica, to the union of William J. and Sophia McLean. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and embraced the Third Angles Message and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist faith. On September 15, 1957, he united in holy matrimony with Lula Mae Johnson. Together they shared many years of life's joys and challenges, raising a family and creating an extraordinary legacy.
He faithfully worked for McKee Bakery for 35 years, after which he embarked on a new chapter as an employee of the State of TN, where he again retired and then started his own professional lawn care service.
As a faithful Seventh-day Adventist Christian, Wilbert’s achievements include a Years of Service Award and Life and Health Legacy Award from the Orchard Park SDA Church.
Wilbert never forgot his Jamaican origin and often talking about the values instilled by his parents, the great foods and beautiful landscapes of his homeland.
Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Sophia McLean, two children, Jerry Johnson and Joyce-Johnson-Scott.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory: His Wife Lula Mae McLean; Siblings: Violet Advira Mezikpih of Washington, DC; Mariam McLean of Spanish Town, Jamaica; Ruby McLean of Spanish Town, Jamaica; Elizabeth Richards of England; William McLean (Ivy Morrison) of College Park, MD; Stephen McLean (Rettenela/Ritty) of Clarendon, Jamaica; Children: Freddie Yates of Chattanooga, TN; Sharron McLean-Pursley (Danny) of Nashville, TN; Samuel (Vonda) of Jasper, TN; Wilbert Jr. (Wynetta) of Chattanooga, TN; Michael (Junko) of Santa Monica, CA; Carolyn (Harold Jr) of Nashville, TN; H. Curtis (Paula) of Ooltewah, TN. He also leaves to cherish his precious memory 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
While we mourn his passing, we do not mourn without hope. As Seventh-day Adventist believers, we rejoice in the promise that this farewell is not forever. We look forward to that glorious resurrection morning when the trumpet of God shall sound and the faithful shall rise to meet their Savior. Until that day, we thank God for the gift of his life, the example of his faith, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first." — 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Wilbert will lie-in-state on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10-11:45 a.m. at Orchard Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon at the church. Burial in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
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