Virginia Ruth Mcclaren

Asheville - Virginia Ruth Thurmond McClaren, 90, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 16, 2017 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. She was a native of Abner, OK and had resided in Asheville for most of her life. Mrs. McClaren was a daughter of the late Psalmist David Thurmond and Bessie Sarah Gaither Thurmond and the wife of the late Rev. Boyd McClaren who died April 2, 2008. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Elmer Thurmond and Hollis Thurmond. Along with her husband, Rev. Boyd McClaren, they traveled many years as Evangelist and worked beside many International Evangelists, preaching, singing, and playing their instruments to thousands. In the early 1960s, she came to Asheville with her husband and started The Asheville Full Gospel Tabernacle in Biltmore, where they pastored for 37 years. Her son, Rev. Darrell McClaren, pastors Harvest Time Assembly there today. During her lifetime of ministry, she witnessed healings, miracles and salvations. She was gifted to play instruments and to sing with the Lord. She loved her many pets and her poodle Charlie will miss her very much. She loved and enjoyed daily talking about memories of her family who are now in Heaven. Her memories are now a reality. She walks and talks with her Savior Jesus and many of her loved ones. Surviving are her son, Rev. Darrell Boyd McClaren and wife, Sandy of Asheville; sisters Hava Harbour of Oklahoma and Glenda Deweese of Weaverville; brother, Harold Thurmond and wife Janie of Crawfordville, FL and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, June 19, 2017 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with her son, the Rev. Darrell McClaren and Harold Thurmond officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Enka. The family will receive friends from 1:00 1:45 PM Monday at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated; however, for those that wish, memorial may be made to Harvest Time Assembly of God, PO Box 23, Asheville, NC 28802.