Elanda Lee (Cline) McCoy, 88, passed from this life to her eternal home on Nov. 23, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Elanda was born on May 20, 1933, and grew up in Manes, where she married her sweetheart, Darrel McCoy, in 1953. As a wife and mother, she lived a life of service and sacrifice. She helped Darrel operate the farm in Manes and commuted daily to Ft. Leonard Wood, where she worked as a federal employee in various offices. While working full time, she was also a committed mother of two children, a loving caretaker of her ill mother and a willing servant as pianist and children’s teacher at Manes Baptist Church. In 1973, the family moved to Springfield, where Elanda worked for the Social Security Administration, retiring years later as a Claims Representative. In retirement, she enjoyed part-time employment at Dillards and Mercy Breast Center and took great pleasure in her volunteer work as member of Mercy Auxiliary. Elanda’s resolute spirit was exemplified during her fifth decade of life when she realized two lifelong dreams, she learned to swim and attended college. Elanda relished time spent with family on ocean cruises and at holiday celebrations—she believed experiences with those we love are gifts that last a lifetime in our memory vaults. She was a devoted follower of Jesus, and she loved serving in various ministries as a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Elanda had the gift of hospitality, which she used to celebrate and comfort others with her amazing pies and gracious spirit. Parkinson’s disease weakened her body, but it did not destroy her spirit or impede her life-long commitment to her faith, her family, or her friends.
Elanda was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Ethel Cline; her husband, Darrel McCoy; and many relatives and friends with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by two children, Mike McCoy and Anita Kissinger (Rod); two step-grandsons, Matthew Kissinger (Kimberly Aquino) and Andrew Kissinger; one step-great-grandson, Kaden Aquino Kissinger; one sister-in-law, Vivian King (Roger); and a much-loved grand dog, Henry Kissinger. Elanda also leaves behind additional family members and friends, including a special niece, Bonnie Gray, and a beloved friend, Bonnie Lewis, both who faithfully gave the gift of their presence during her prolonged illness. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church with a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. Private interment will occur at a later time. Memorial donations can be made to The Baptist Home Benevolence Fund, 1625 West Garton Road, Ozark, Mo. 65721. Elanda’s family is grateful for the love and care she received from those who served her there. So, we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison . . . 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
