Mrs. Lillian Alexander McClung, age 97, formerly of Covington, Virginia, passed away peacefully Monday, August 22, 2011, at the Glebe, Daleville.

She was the wife of the late Wallace H. "Tacky" McClung.

She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Covington and faithfully served her church as an Elder, Honorary Life Membership Presbyterian Women, choir member, Sunday school teacher, ladies circle and Bible teacher.

She established the Alexander-McClung Memorial Garden at the church. Mrs. McClung was active as a Girl Scout leader, board member of C.P. Jones Library, and a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Retired Teachers Association, Mountain River Garden Club and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

While residing at The Glebe, she was an active participant of activities, submitted numerous articles, poems for publication in the Glebe's newsletter and published a booklet, Heaven In My Hands Ð My Life in Education and How I Loved Every Minute of It.

Mrs. McClung was born December 15, 1913 and raised in Covington, the daughter of the late Frank Wilson Alexander and Dessie Oliver Alexander.

She attended elementary school at Jeter School and Covington High School. She also graduated from Harrisonburg State Teacher's College (now James Madison University) where she received a BS degree in kindergarten and primary education and earned a Masters Degree in supervision and administration from the University of Virginia.

Mrs. McClung had a long, dedicated career in education as a primary school teacher, elementary school principal and general supervisor of Covington City Schools retiring after 20 years in that position. She began her career in education as an 18 year-old primary school teacher assigned to a two-room school in Mallow, housing pupils in grades 1-4. Mrs. McClung has established the Lillian Alexander McClung Scholarship, administered by Covington High School to be presented to a senior of high principled character who has an excellent academic record and intends to make a career in public education.

Mrs. McClung is survived by a stepdaughter, Mrs. Nancy M. Johnson and husband, Gerald of Ellicott City, MD; two step granddaughters, Beverly J. Goodwyn and husband, James of Severn, MD and Elizabeth J. Adcock and husband, Charles of Beaver Dam, VA; one cousin, Michael Gillette and wife, LeAnn of Austin, TX.

Lillian enjoyed her affiliation and occasional visitation at the Fincastle Presbyterian Church with Pastor Dr. Lain Macleon.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jamie Pharr and Dr. Edgar Mayse officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until service time at First Presbyterian Church. No formal visitation will be held the night before at Loving Funeral Home.

By her request, memorial tributes in Mrs. McClung's name are to be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 185 N. Maple Avenue, Covington, VA 24426.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to the Health Care staff at The Glebe for the loving care received and to the Southern Care Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care.

Those wishing to send condolences online, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.