Gaynelle McCloud

Gaynelle Shook McCloud entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on October 20, 2025. Born on August 31, 1933, in Hiawassee, Georgia, Gaynelle was the middle child of the late Nola Ann Shook Crump and William Shook. She moved to Anderson, South Carolina, as a young child, where she spent her formative years surrounded by faith, family, and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, John Wesley McCloud, her sister Betty Jo Bagwell, and her brother Dean Shook. Gaynelle is survived by her children: John McCloud Jr. (Christine), Hubert “Mack” McCloud, and Louanne Lunny (Jim); grandchildren John McCloud III (Jamie), Elizabeth McCloud, Rebecca Lunny Knisely (Nate), and Hannah Lunny Lowe (Eric). She took immense joy in her family and was a constant source of love, encouragement, and prayer for each of them. She attended Spartanburg Junior College and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Masters in Reading Education from Furman University. She devoted her life to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher at Slater Marietta Elementary School, where she later served as a reading specialist. Teaching children to read was her greatest professional passion; she believed literacy opened doors to every opportunity God intended for a child’s life. Gaynelle’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout Christian, she loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith daily through kindness, service, and prayer. Whether teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, encouraging others in their walk with Christ, or quietly reading her Bible, she reflected the love and grace of Jesus in all she did. She was also a lifelong learner who always had a book nearby. She loved visiting bookstores, discovering new authors, and sharing her favorite reads with family and friends. Gaynelle was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love for her family knew no bounds. She never missed a band competition, school event, or family milestone; always present with a warm smile, a word of encouragement, and one of her famously thoughtful cards, lovingly referred to as her “epistles.” Her greatest joy was found in her family, and she made sure each one knew, beyond any doubt, just how deeply loved and cherished they were. Her life was a beautiful example of faith, love, and service. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, the family she nurtured, and the faith she so gracefully lived. A celebration of Gaynelle’s life and faith will be held on Monday, November 3, at The Howze Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., service will follow at 2:00 p.m., Burial will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gaynelle's name to: Gods Way Church, 1769 Keeler Mill Rd., Travelers Rest, SC 29690 or Slater Marietta Elementary School Library, 100 Baker Cir, Marietta, SC 29661

Gaynelle McCloud

August 31, 1933 - October 20, 2025