Elaine Jones McClellan Collier

Elaine Jones McClellan Collier passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones. She was born July 19, 1940 in Springhill, LA to Pauline (Polly) Wynne Jones of Springhill, LA, and Arnold Ralph Jones of Columbia County, AR.

Visitation will be Friday, May 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church in Natchitoches, LA. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Western Cemetery in Emerson, AR, with Brother Logan Brock officiating.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Karen McClellan Vercher (Tommy) and her son Joel Ruben McClellan. She also leaves behind her brothers, Scott Taliaferro (Rose) of Springhill, LA and Tony Taliaferro (Margee) of Berlin, PA. Elaine was affectionately known as “Grana” to her grandchildren: Stephanie; Stephen (Casey); Staci (J.P.); Taylor; Garrett; and bonus grandchildren Jessica (Chris), Chris (Jennifer) and Dustin, as well as her great-grandchildren: Dylan, Caleb, Summer, Radlee, Levi, Jack, Bronson, Daniel and Morgan, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Roy Taliaferro, her beloved son William “Butch” McClellan, her infant great granddaughter Autumn Lily Allard, her sister Janet Jones Burns and infant nephew Joshua Taliaferro.

Elaine attended Northwestern State University, where she studied business and education, and then began her career as an executive assistant in the technology and telecommunications field. She later fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a writer, working as a senior technical writing consultant for the aerospace and defense industry. Those she worked with always said she had a smile on her face and could be counted on for anything.

Elaine’s life was grounded in her deep love for Jesus, which shone through in the way she gave, cared and showed up for others. She was extremely proud of her father who sacrificed his life in WWII, often sharing photos and stories of him. With a bright smile that could light up any room, she was happiest when surrounded by family, watching her LSU Tigers, loving on her dog Sadie or out on a shopping trip. She is remembered as a caring and dedicated mother and grandmother.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Dylan and Caleb Richardson, Levi and Jack Cotton, Radlee Turner and Garrett McClellan. Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Allard, J.P. Cotton and Bronson McLendon.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Natchitoches, especially Amber for providing such compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Elaine’s memory to Trinity Baptist Church of Natchitoches, LA.

“Be very glad, for a tremendous award awaits you up in heaven.”