Mildred Pernell McLellan

Mildred Pernell McLellan passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 12, 2026. Born on December 24, 1932, in Dillon, South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of Daniel Pernell, Sr. and Lonnie Jackson Pernell. She attended Dillon High School, where she enjoyed playing basketball until her graduation. In 1950, she was united in holy matrimony to Nehemiah McLellan. Together they relocated to Stamford, Connecticut, where they lovingly raised their family. At the age of 18, Mildred and her husband accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and became devoted members of Little Zion Church of God in Christ under the pastorate of Elder Albert A. Little and Mother Lula Little. Mildred faithfully served on the Usher Board for more than fifty years and later became its president. She traveled extensively to attend church services, Connecticut State Meetings, and numerous convocations. Her unwavering faith, dedication, and dependability made her a cherished member of her church family. In 1959, Mildred became a Certified Nurse's Aide through the State of Connecticut. She was employed by Homestead Nursing Home in Stamford for over forty years, where she exemplified professionalism, compassion, and commitment to those in her care. In addition to her nursing career, she served as a School Crossing Guard while faithfully caring for her household and family. Following her retirement in 1999, Mildred continued to serve others and generously lend a helping hand wherever needed. Her commitment to community service extended beyond her church and career. She was affiliated with numerous organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, where she served as Honorary Chairperson; the Dillonettes of Dillon, South Carolina; the American Heart Association; AARP; the American Cancer Society; New England Health Care Local Union 1199; the State of Connecticut Women's Auxiliary Club; the South End Community Center Neighborhood Watch Group; the Save Our Children Foundation; and the National Urban League. Mildred's memory will be forever treasured by her four sons, Daniel E. McLellan, Sr., Michael McLellan, David McLellan (Jennie), and Gotrell McLellan (Stacey); her stepchildren, William O'Banner, Priscilla O'Banner, Vincent O'Banner (Doreen), Anthony O'Banner, and Dean O'Banner (Bridget); twenty-one grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nehemiah McLellan; her parents, Daniel Pernell, Sr. and Lonnie Jackson Pernell; her daughters, Patricia Ann Valentine and Veronica McLellan Velez; her sons, Nehemiah "Tony" McLellan, Jr. and Kenneth McLellan; her siblings, Rosa Bost, Daniel Pernell, Jr., Otis "Bud" Pernell, Moses Pernell, Sr., and Woodrow Pernell; and her grandsons, Daniel E. McLellan, Jr. and Derek Lamont McLellan. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will immediately follow at Woodland Cemetery. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Matthew 25:23.

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Mildred Pernell McLellan

December 24, 1932 - June 12, 2026