Juel Sallee was born in Loco, Texas on November 10, 1926 to the late Claude and Lucile McClain. She was the oldest of their six children. On April 28, 2023, at the age of 96, she passed from her earthly life.
Juel is survived by her two daughters, Shirley Vaughn of Escalon, California and Doris Jordan (Ron) of Escalon, California. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Sherrie Lee (Randall) of Manteca, California, Doug Vaughn (Yvonne) of Oakdale, California, Cheryl Nelson (Roger) of Riverbank, California, Stephanie Jones (Eric) of Modesto, California and Greg Jordan (Vicki) of Escalon, California. Four siblings are also left behind, Melba Wright of Modesto, California, Louise McElroy Franklin of Citrus Heights, California, Christine Massengale (Pete) of Placerville, California and Brenda Hope (Dale) of Gridley, California. At the time of her passing, Juel also had 11 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. Juel was preceded in death by Homer Sallee, her husband of 64 years, her brother, Marvin McClain and son-in-law, James Vaughn.
On November 14, 1942, Juel married Homer Sallee in Las Cruces, New Mexico. In March of 1944 they were blessed with a baby girl they named Shirley, born in Arrey, New Mexico. About six weeks later, Homer was drafted to serve in World War II. He came home to his wife and daughter two years later. Homer and Juel were blessed with another baby girl, Doris, born in December of 1946 in Oakdale, California.
While Homer was overseas, Juel and Shirley moved to California with Juel’s parents. After returning home, Homer milked cows for a few years. Homer and Juel both found jobs working for the school in Hickman, California. Juel was the manager and cook in the cafeteria. Homer was a custodian and bus driver.
In 1955 the family moved to Escalon, California. Homer helped establish the Church of Christ in Escalon along with James Winchester and others. Juel was also a member of the Church of Christ. She was known for being very hospitable. Many preachers stayed with Homer and Juel while holding gospel meetings and visiting the congregation in Escalon.
In Escalon, Juel worked at a local drive-in called Bud’s Frosty for several years. After her first grandchild was born, Juel went back to school and gained her high school diploma. She also took some accounting classes. When Homer and Juel started an appliance repair business in the 1960’s, she was the bookkeeper. Food service was a typical job for Juel. She worked at the cafeteria at Dent Elementary School until her retirement.
Juel enjoyed sewing. She made everything she and her girls wore. Later, she also sewed for her grandchildren. She even had a sewing machine in the office of the appliance store. Making quilts was another skill she had. At times, family and friends would gather at her house to finish quilts. Her mother, Lucile, was one of them. Many family members have quilts she gave them. Crocheting and embroidery were also crafts she enjoyed. Juel was an excellent cook and was well known for her pies.
On August 1, 2010, after Homer’s death in 2006, Juel chose to move into an assisted living home called Casa de Modesto in Modesto, California. This was her residence until the time of her death. She was surrounded by family as she passed at a beautiful home called Brenda’s Place in Escalon.
The family appreciates all the condolences they have already received. Juel’s memorial service will be a Graveside Service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the Burwood Cemetery in Escalon, California.
Should family or friends wish to make a donation in memory of Juel, the family suggests Escalon Community Ambulance, 1480 Ullrey Avenue, Escalon, CA 95320.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
May 3, 2023
