Shirley Pat Tallman McClure, 87, of Bridgeport, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at the Village at Heritage Point in Morgantown, surrounded by her loving family following her battle with a long term illness. She was born July 5, 1934, in Clarksburg, the daughter of late C. Kenneth Tallman and Mildred Thrash Tallman.
Mrs. McClure was a member of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She is survived by her husband, C. Richard McClure and three children; Marilyn T. McClure-Demers (Alan), of Columbus, Ohio; Scott R. McClure, of Gaithersburg, Md.; Mary Marlin McClure Smith (Andrew), of Morgantown; one brother, Terry W. Tallman (Regina), of Good Hope; her sisters-in-law, Carolyn Tallman, of Clarksburg, and Jean McClure, of Masontown; and five grandchildren: Rachael Marie McClure, Sarah Audrey McClure, Lauren Elizabeth McClure, Charles Ryan Smith and Ashton McClure Smith; along with several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by one brother, C. Thomas Tallman; and a brother-in-law, Donald R. McClure Sr.
Shirley Pat was a 1952 graduate of Washington Irving High School, where she received the Senior Achievement Award and was a member of the National Honor Society. A very gifted pianist, she often delighted friends and family by playing the piano for socials, school events and productions. She was also known for her artistic talent serving as graphic artist for yearbooks, school newspapers, backdrops for plays and set design.
Mrs. McClure received her B.A. in education in 1956 from West Virginia University and her M.A. in elementary education in 1960 with a reading specialization. A sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she loved living at the Kappa house on Prospect Street, where she held roles such as secretary and ran for Miss Stonewall Jackson. She frequently played piano across campus at numerous fraternity and sorority houses, and at campus events, including Reynolds Hall and the old Mountainlair. Favorite performances always included, among others, “Hail West Virginia,” “Anchors Away” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Shirley would later share this sisterhood bond with both of her daughters and, throughout her life, returned to inspire and sponsor young women. In October 2018, she received her 65-year pin surrounded by the active and alumnae sisters of Beta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Following graduation from WVU, Mrs. McClure began her teaching career in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She also taught in the Mount Lebanon School System in Pittsburgh, where she was a member of the Dormont College Club and studied art at Carnegie Mellon University before returning to West Virginia to continue her teaching career. Shirley was a dedicated educator who was passionate about her students and touched many lives throughout her journey. A community steward, she was involved in a number of service organizations, including the Good Hope Order of the Eastern Star and the Kingwood Jr. Women’s Club. She served as past president of the Bridgeport Women’s Club and past president of the Clarksburg Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association. She was a member of the National Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma teacher’s honorary, West Virginia Education Association and the Harrison County Teacher’s Association. She was a lifetime member of the WVU Alumni Association and The Emeritus Club.
While Shirley Pat enjoyed playing piano, creating beautiful art for others and teaching, she was also a strong woman of faith who enjoyed studying scripture, playing and singing religious hymns, making friends and helping others. Her greatest love was her family. She was a devoted wife, daughter and mother who enjoyed traveling, fine cuisine, shopping and Broadway music and dance. She adored her devoted and loving husband of 57 years, whom she met at WVU, and, with whom she often performed piano duets, while spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Lung Association, Permanent Endowment Fund for the Bridgeport United Methodist Church or the American Red Cross.
The McClure family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Dr. Michael Angotti of UHC, and the leadership team, staff and dear friends at the Village at Heritage Point and at Morgantown Hospice for the superior care, kindness and empathy extended to Shirley Pat and to our family on this gentle walk home.
Visitation for friends will be held at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, from 2-6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, where an Eastern Star Service will be held at 6 p.m. by the Good Hope Chapter 109. The Celebration of Life will be held at the Bridgeport United Methodist Church, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, with the Rev Dr. Ken Ramsey officiating. Viewing immediately prior thereto begins at 10 a.m. Graveside ceremony will be conducted at the Good Hope Masonic Cemetery in Good Hope, West Virginia.
Condolences:
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