Aileen Buchanan McCleary

Aileen Buchanan McCleary, 81, of Wilbur Newton Street, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Grace Hospital. Born in Mercer County, WV on April 23, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Vance Bryant Buchanan and Bonnie Rae Austin Jaynes. Aileen was a member of the First Assembly of God where she taught Sunday School. A people person, Aileen never met a stranger. She would stand in for her husband when he was unable to preach. Always thinking of others, she gave to others without asking for anything. She was a true minister of "the word."She is survived by her son, Elwood "Woody" McCleary, Jr. of Morganton; a daughter, Shirley Diane Irvine, Ph.D., and husband, David, of Austin, TX; sisters, Lorene Elizabeth Fox (Aileen’s twin) of Morganton, Joyce Molly Stephenson of Franklin, NC, Shirley Luanne Payne of Ahseville, NC, and Betty Ray Abee of Lenoir, NC; grandchildren, Timothy Allen McCleary and Elizabeth Anne Brammer, Esq. and husband, Dr. Matthew Brammer; step-grandchildren, Brian Drake, Michael Drake, Kimberly Kimball, and Anna Lee Drake; Elizabeth’s father, David Goble; and Timothy’s mother, Renee Morelli.In addition to her parents, Aileen was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Elwood McCleary, and two brothers, Billy Ray Buchanan and James Walter Buchanan.The Celebration of Aileen’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009 at First Assembly of God with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Aileen McCleary Memorial Fund, c/o First Assembly of God, 1955 Hwy 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.