Carol Leigh Cooke McLellan

Mrs. Carol Cooke McLellan, 68, died Sunday, April 23, 2023, at her home in Oxford, MS. The funeral will be Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Oxford University United Methodist with Rev. Warren Black and Rev. Chris McAlilly officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:00 p.m. in the atrium of the church. Burial will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Carol grew up in Jackson, MS and was a graduate of Council McCluer High School where she was a top ranked tennis player, accomplished pianist, and cheerleader. She was active in the youth group at Alta Woods United Methodist Church and loved to teach Vacation Bible School.

Carol earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Belhaven University, graduating with highest honors. As a Certified Public Accountant, she worked for Cooke, Douglas, Farr and Lemons Architects and Engineers. Carol had a brilliant mind and instilled confidence in all those who worked with her. She had a philanthropic heart, donating time and resources to her church, the American Cancer Society, and Relay for Life.

A beloved member of both the Oxford University and Madison United Methodist Churches, she had strong faith in the Lord and set aside time each day for devotionals and prayer. For years and years she maintained a prayer journal with daily entries of the names of those for whom she lifted in prayer. Carol was a loving friend and enjoyed getting together for games of bunco and tennis. She was an excellent cook and talented artist. Christmas was one of her favorite holidays and she would spend hours each year decorating her home and perfectly arranging her Dickens Village. She always went above and beyond to make the holiday feel special for her family, creating a warmth and magic that only she could.

Carol was a determined fighter in her battle against a malignant brain tumor, living for 24 years after her diagnosis. Her goal was to see her children graduate college, begin their careers, get married, and have children of their own. She was filled with great pride as she lived to see them achieve those goals. Her greatest joys in life were her faith in Christ and her family. Carol provided unconditional love and support to her boys as evidenced by never missing a ball game or school activity. Some of her fondest memories were of family beach trips and gatherings spent at Lake Cavalier, Petit Bois, and Timber Creek Camp. Carol loved to read and enjoyed reading to her grandchildren. Carol was passionate about travel, especially her trips to California, the Rocky Mountains, and Hawaii. She enjoyed boating with friends and family on the Reservoir, where it felt like all of life’s worries seemed to stay on shore. No matter where she found herself, she would take time at the end of the day to appreciate the sunset, which served as a reminder of God’s majesty and His love for her.

She had a kind, gentle, and sweet spirit, full of grace and love. Carol was optimistic, determined, and never complained. These qualities were never more evident than when facing her diagnosis.

Carol is survived by her husband, Russell Gerrard McLellan of Oxford, MS; three sons, Reese McLellan and his wife, Heather of Madison, MS, Michael McLellan of Memphis, TN, and Lee McLellan and his wife, Libby of Nashville, TN; three grandchildren, Reid, Rivers, and Caroline; mother, Jackie Cooke; sister, Cathy Butler and her husband, Rusty of Franklin, TN; brothers, Bill Cooke and his wife, Anne of Starkville, MS and David Cooke and his wife, Lori-Lynne of Pulaski, MS.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, William Henry (Bill) Cooke, Jr.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to Oxford University United Methodist Church, 424 South 10th Street, Oxford, MS 38655, or to Timber Creek Camp, 8113 Morton Marathon Road, Pulaski, MS 39152.