Louise (Darden) McLamb

Spivey’s Corner

Mrs. Louise Darden McLamb, 94, of 8300 Newton Grove Hwy., Dunn, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Sampson Regional Medical Center with her family by her side.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, November 10, at 2:00 PM at Hickory Grove Baptist Church Sanctuary with Rev. Matthew Creech officiating. The family will receive friends following the service on Sunday in the church fellowship hall and other times at her home. A Graveside Service will be held Monday, November 11, at 11:00 AM at Grandview Memorial Park.

Born on January 21, 1930, in Sampson County, Louise was the daughter of the late William Henry and Georgiana Eldridge Darden. Louise graduated from Piney Grove School and later met and married the love of her life, the late Thomas Elwood McLamb.

After they were married, she and Tom moved to the Herring Community, where she became a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.  She served for more than 50 years as pianist and choir director at the church.  She was instrumental in starting the Girls Auxiliary (GAs) as well as leading Training Union meetings, Vacation Bible School, and many other activities that supported the Hickory Grove Baptist church family.  When her health declined and she was no longer able to attend in person, she looked forward to reading the church bulletin every Sunday so that she could stay abreast of church activities and pray for those on the prayer list.  Due to her limited mobility, she became an avid viewer of Hayes Barton Baptist Church on television and that became her adopted church. She was beyond thrilled when her 90th birthday was announced on their television broadcast.

Mrs. Louise was an extraordinary homemaker.  She was an excellent cook and baker and was known throughout the community for her caramel cakes and chocolate pies, which she graciously shared with neighbors and friends.  Her gardening skills produced the most beautiful rose garden and she knew each rose by name.  She happily shared her roses with family to celebrate special events, provided arrangements for church, and cheered the sick and bereaved with her lovely flowers.  She was an excellent seamstress and sewed not only for herself, but also made her daughters’ clothes for school and church and they wore them proudly.  Mrs. Louise took up china painting later in life and it became a passion of hers.  She created beautiful porcelain items, adorned with her hand-painted flowers and seasonal designs, which she used in her home and shared many of them with her children so that they could enjoy them in their own homes.  They are now truly treasured keepsakes. Of her many talents, her musical skills were the most amazing.  She played piano beautifully, both by note and ear.  She raised her children to love music and they shared their enjoyment of it through solo and group singing, playing various instruments, and performing on stage, giving her a true sense of pride in their talents and encouraged them to let their lights shine so that others could find enjoyment in her family’s musical abilities.

Louise is survived by her son, Woody McLamb and wife, Sheree, of Newton Grove; three daughters: Joy McLamb Spell and husband, Johnnie, of Autryville, Donna McLamb of Wilmington, and Lori McLamb Wagner and husband, Jim, of Greenville, NC; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family who were all special to her. Included in that extended family are her caregivers, who are remembered for being the most loving individuals anyone could imagine.  They gave selflessly to serve Mrs. Louise and Kim in their home and as a result, both were able to live at home until their passing because of these wonderful women’s constant concern and outstanding care.  

Louise was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having outlived her parents, two sisters and three brothers.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas and her youngest child, Kimberley McLamb, who passed away exactly 7 weeks prior to her own passing. She devoted 53 years of her own life to Kim who had special needs, and made every effort to ensure that Kim knew how very special she was and how much everyone loved and adored her.  They are reunited once again and now rejoicing with Mr. Tom and so many others who they loved and had passed before them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Louise’s memory to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 11341 N US421, Clinton, NC 28328. 

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the McLamb Family.

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