Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
On May 25, 2025, Connie McClure, 69, of Sunnyside, unexpectedly was called by God to leave this earth and go to be with her Savior. Although it was a surprise to all of us, Connie was ready and had placed her faith in Jesus as a child.
Connie was the third child born to Wayne and Norlene Jackson McClure on Feb. 22, 1956. Connie grew up in Sunnyside, except for a year when the family lived in Arizona. She attended the Sunnyside Grace Brethren Church, was baptized there, and enjoyed being in the youth group. She was in the Sunnyside band and graduated from SHS in 1974. That fall Connie started Grace College in Winona Lake and loved the chance to make many new friends and enjoy the fun of being a college student. After two years she returned home to help with family and began working at Tioga.
Connie moved to Winona Lake in 1985 and lived with her “adopted sister” there until 1998. Because of her warm, fun, generous, loving personality, she left many friends in Winona Lake, and willingly came back to Sunnyside to help with the family property management. She had continued managing apartments up to the present. Connie was very active in the Mabton Grace Church, and not surprisingly, was involved in many ministries there. In a time of personal crisis in the early 2000s, Connie found herself doubting her salvation and during that time of searching she found a renewed faith and desire to serve her Lord.
Connie is survived by her mother, Norlene McClure; two sisters and a brother: Waynette McClure, Les and Judy McClure, Charlotte and Julie McClure; three nephews: Leslie and Tiffany McClure, Dustin and Jodie McClure, and Brett and Brittany McClure; five great-nephews and -nieces: Justin, Ian, Alexis, Caitie and Mia McClure; as well as her bonus sister, Brenda Wilcoxson.
A gathering of friends will be held Saturday at Winona Lake Grace Church between 2 and 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A short tribute will be shared at 3 p.m. This will be a come-and-go event with snacks and stories about Connie. Park in the west parking lot and use the covered door.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Mabton Grace Church to honor Connie and her life. Those wishing to sign Connie’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
