Elaine McClendon Echols

Dr. Elaine McClendon Echols of Helen, Georgia passed away May 9th, 2026. She was born October 10, 1945 in Birmingham, Alabama to Berwin and Elsie McClendon. Dr. Echols was a pioneer in education and contributed greatly to scholarship and humanity in her tireless efforts as a lifelong educator. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Elaine also obtained a PhD in mathematics education from Georgia State University.

Dr. Echols taught in Douglas County Public Schools for years and retired as an adjutant professor from Georgia State University. Elaine was the wife of Dr. Austin Echols of Cleveland, Tennessee. Together, they officiated and operated the Alpine Wedding Chapel in Helen, Georgia for over twenty-five years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Austin Echols. 

She is survived by her daughter, Angel Langston, son-in-law, Dewey McGee, granddaughter, Lyric Langston, sisters, Angeline Osborne and Donna Mickel, stepson, Eddie Echols, and stepdaughter, Sharon Priest. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 pm Monday, May 11, 2026 at Helen Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2 P.M., at the church, prior to the service.

To,share a memory or to leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.