Mary Jo McClain

Mary Jo Wiler McClain

On Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, Mary Jo Wiler McClain, 98, of Bridge City transitioned to Heaven, peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Funeral Services will by held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, with Pastor Samuel Karunanithi. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at the same location. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Bridge City. 

Formerly of Brashear, Texas in Hopkins County, Mrs. McClain was born January 24, 1926, Mrs. McClain was the daughter of Thomas Malcolm Wiler, Sr. and Bessie Omega (Abercrombie) Wiler. She was a caring wife and devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She received a Masters of Education with a major in music at East Texas State Teacher's College in Commerce, Texas. Throughout her life she taught school for 28 years, along with being a Sunday School teacher and playing the organ at Orangefield Baptist Church for many years. She also taught piano lessons off and on to many. She was an accomplished pianist, teacher, seamstress and so much more. She started school very young and could spell hippopotamus and rhinoceros at age 4. She graduated HS at 16. She had red hair and got picked on because of it. But it was that beautiful red hair that got her noticed by the love of her life, Forrest Lee McClain. At 21, he saw her walking down the street in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Before they ever met, he pointed to her and said, "I'm going to marry that red-headed woman." He loved her dearly and they were married for 46 years. He sold a cow to buy her a wedding ring. In 1950, they moved to the McLewis community and began their teaching careers. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Forrest Lee McClain, son, Marion Lee McClain, brothers, Thomas Malcolm Wiler, Jr., Lathan Wiler and wife, Carrie Mae.

She is survived by son, Mark McClain and wife, Alane, of Little Cypress, and daughter, Melodie McClain, of Bridge City. Grandchildren Amy Jo Wagner and husband, Bruce of Fort Worth, Derrick Lee McClain and wife, Leigh Ann of Colorado, Telisha Kuykendall and husband, Lennon of Bridge City, Brandon Lee McClain and wife, Maria of Nederland, Kevin McRae Hanks, Brooklyn Hanks Johnson and husband, Jacob, Elaine Medina Kattawar and husband, Michael, Patrick Forrest Medina, all of Bridge City. Sister-in-law, Frances Wiler, of Arlington. Sixteen Great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Mary Jo McClain was a beacon of light for her family and all that knew her. Grounded in her religious beliefs, she attended the Living Word Church for over 20 years. Kind and generous to everyone, she had a beautiful smile and that will be fondly remembered. 

Mark McClain, Brandon McClain, Kevin Hanks, Novah Richardson, Michael Kattawar, Lennon Kuykendall will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Jacob Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Living Word Church of Orange.