Roberta "Bobbie" McClung

Roberta “Bobbie” McClung, born on February 15, 1944, at the Indian Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

A member of the Kiowa tribe, and the youngest of ten children born to Horace and Alice (Bear) Newsom, Bobbie was preceded in death by her siblings: Joyce McDaniel, Amy Bear Hall, Horace “Bud” Newsom Jr., William Riley Newsom, Galena Powell, Garland Newsom, Mary Carol Gilley, and Patrick Earl Newsom. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Honor Smith Belew, and her son-in-law, Kevin Belew, of Nashville, along with her cherished sister, Donna Lee Napier of Willow Park, Texas, and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Bobbie grew up east of Lawton, Oklahoma, and attended Central High School, where she formed a foundation of hard work and reliability that would define her life. She went on to hold secretarial and receptionist roles across Oklahoma, California, and Texas, culminating in her retirement from Rhone Engineering in Dallas, Texas, in 2011.

Bobbie had a deep love for her family, friends, and the many animals—both pets and grand-pets—who gravitated toward her caring spirit. Her ability to connect with animals was a reflection of her innate kindness and quiet strength. Although she led a modest and private life, her laughter and sense of humor were shared abundantly with her daughter, sisters, and close friends creating cherished memories that will live on forever.

A memorial service celebrating Bobbie’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. A second service will be held in Dallas, Texas, in January, with details forthcoming.

Bobbie’s love, laughter, and steadfast heart will remain a source of comfort for all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all the creatures who found comfort in her care.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.