Maggie E. (Wheaton) McClanahan

Maggie Elizabeth Wheaton McClanahan, 97, went home to heaven Friday, February 24, 2023. The fifth of eight children, she was born in Combes, Texas to the late William H. Wheaton and Minnie Belchner Wheaton.

Maggie is survived by her daughter, Sandra Pierro McAfee (Dave); sister, Roxie Wheaton George; brother-in-law, Richard McClanahan (Linda); grandsons, Cody Mitchell, Jeff McAfee, Casey McAfee (Kayla); great-grandsons, Christopher Ryan Mitchell , Casey Mitchell, Liam McAfee; great-granddaughters, Stella McAfee and Lorelei McAfee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband of twenty-one years, Louis Pierro; her loving husband and constant companion for fifty-one years, Ralph McClanahan; daughter, Rita Pierro Mitchell; son-in-law, Billy Mitchell; grandson, William Shane Mitchell; great-granddaughter, Cheyenne Summer Mitchell; brother, C.W. Wheaton; five sisters, Dena, Sarah, Mattie Mae, Johnnie, and Edna (Totsy); six brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law, and eight nieces and nephews.

As a young woman, Maggie first worked as an operator for the telephone company in Harlingen, then later in the offices of Grindle Auto Sales for seventeen years.  After that, she was employed by McKesson Chemical for over eighteen years as a full-charge bookkeeper and office manager. Lastly, she was a full-time preschool teacher at Wesley Methodist Church in Harlingen.

Her husband, Ralph, was an instrument engineering executive for Union Carbide for over thirty-six years. His work with Union Carbide made it possible for Maggie and Ralph to live in many places including Maracaibo Venezuela, Charleston, West Virginia, Washington state, and Oregon. Upon Ralph’s retirement, they moved back to Harlingen to be near and help family.

Maggie touched many people she encountered in her life; she was a thoughtful and loving friend to many. She absolutely adored children and they instinctively gravitated towards her.  However, the main focus of Maggie’s life were her children and grandchildren. She loved, fought for and protected them with everything she had. As a Christian, she knew that she would meet Christ one day and her family rejoices that she is now in His presence for eternity.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A chapel service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chris Hall officiating. Maggie will then be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.act.alz.org).

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