Obituary of Aillen McClary

Aillen Bennett Sanders McClary passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 surrounded by her family.  Aillen was born on August 16, 1921, in Greeleyville, SC.  She was the daughter of the late Jessie Bennett and Mary Dukes Bennett.     

Aillen received her education in the Williamsburg County School System.  At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and joined Mt. Zion Church in Greeleyville, SC, where she faithfully served on many auxiliaries and boards.  

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Luther Sanders.  To this union, four children were born.  One preceded her in death, Leade Sanders.  Aillen assumed the responsibility of raising four young children due to the untimely passing of her husband.  This led to her working many years as a farmworker and housemaid.  In her free time, Aillen enjoyed fishing, quilting, and crocheting hats, which led to her love for hats.

Years later, Aillen was united in marriage to the late Dixon McClary. After his passing, she moved to Troy, NY, to be near her family.  She joined the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, serving faithfully for many years.

Aillen became visually impaired and joined the Guild Care Adult Health Program specializing in services for people with vision loss.  She received many certificates and awards.

The family has been blessed to have Aillen for over 100 years.  She was adored by many and leaves with us a legacy of love, faithfulness, perseverance, and strength that is imprinted on our hearts.  Her memories will be cherished forever.  Aillen is survived by her three children, Luther (Joann) Sanders, Watervliet, NY, Beulah (Jerry) Daniels, Troy, NY, and Robert (Darlene) Sanders, Elyria, Ohio, one sister, Mary York, Troy, NY, one sister-in-law, Mary Sanders, Philadelphia, PA.  Fourteen grandchildren, Gerry Sanders, Reginald Daniels, April Sanders, Erica Sanders, Tanya Daniels, Damien Dixon, Damien Sanders, Tyrone Fitch, Chermekia Sanders, La Shaun Maxwell, Jamal Davison, Desmond Maxwell, Narquita Williams, and Gregory Davison.  Twenty Three great-grandchildren, eight great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Aillen was predeceased by fifteen siblings; Queen Footman, Jessie Mae Robinson Bennett, Ada Keels, Geneva Gamble, Aletha Conyers, Nancy Robinson, Marie Keels, James Bennett, Lead Bennett, Johnny Robinson, Clarence Robinson, Blanche Pompey, Mattie Gardner, Mary Mitchell and Oliver Robinson.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and to her Home Going Service at 11:00 a.m. all at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Ave (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh) Troy, NY 12182, where Rev. Xavier Hunter, Pastor of the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy will officiate.

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