Mrs. Clara Goldin McLain, age 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Having lived nearly a century, Clara's life was one marked by devotion, resilience, and a deep, abiding love for her family, her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Born on July 16, 1926, in Haralson County, she was the daughter of the late Pearl Dean Goldin and Thomas Watson Goldin. Raised in a time that shaped her strong character and steady spirit, Clara carried those values with her throughout her life, becoming a source of strength and comfort to all who knew her.

On December 25, 1948, she married the love of her life, Burl McLain. Their marriage was a lasting example of devotion and partnership, spanning decades of shared work, faith, and love. Together, they owned and operated McLain Jewelry Store for more than 60 years, serving their community with integrity and pride. Their work often took them on the road, and they enjoyed traveling together, especially attending jewelry shows across the country, building not just a business, but a life rich with shared experiences.

While Clara was known for her dedication to her work, she was best known for the love she poured into her family. She was a wonderful momma, the heart of her home, and a steady, guiding presence for generations. Her kindness, strength, and quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know her. Few are given 99 years, and Clara used hers to build a legacy of love that will continue to live on in her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Burl McLain; her sisters, Rebecca Ann Brown and Kathleen Smith; and her brothers, Earnest Gene "Bud" Goldin and Tommy Goldin.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Sandra McLain Powell and her husband, Cole; Brenda McLain Matthews and her husband, Jeff; and Barry Burl McLain. Clara was a proud and loving grandmother to Valerie (Ricky) Hembree, Suzanne (Brian) Gable, Amanda (Brad) Bilbo, Leah Johnson, Jay (Christina) Awtrey, Jeb Matthews, Lauren (Justin) Henry, Zac Dean McLain, Stevie McLain, and Kensi McLain, along with 16 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Clara's life was defined by her deep love for her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the steady presence she provided to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the generations she loved so dearly.

The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Mrs. Clara's life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, in the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Joy Griffin officiating and Mrs. Leesa Copeland rendering the eulogy. Interment will follow at Carroll Memory Gardens, with Zac McLain, Grant Gable, Hunter Gable, Matthew Bilbo, Caden Johnson, and Chase Bilbo serving as pallbearers.

Flowers are welcome; however, those wishing to honor Clara's memory may also make donations to the Backpack Ministry at Stripling Chapel United Methodist Church, 1830 Hwy 27 South, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, or to the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the McLain family.