The Amazing Life of Elizabeth ‘Lib’ Peters McCluskey

By Ralphine Major

I thought she had a look of elegance.  She was friendly and kind.  She was also a great role model.  She was Elizabeth Peters McCluskey—a pastor’s wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother.  Most people knew her as “Lib.”

Unlike many who knew Lib during the years that Dr. Jim McCluskey served as the Senior Pastor of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, I did not meet her until their retirement years.  We met at the cardiac rehab facility.  Later, I would talk to her many times on the phone when I called Dr. McCluskey to learn about the Living Christmas Tree.  For several weeks, I wrote a series in The Knoxville Focus about the incredible history of the Living Christmas Tree for which Wallace is still known today.  On the Bill Wallace Tour led by Dr. McCluskey, I saw more of Lib in a supporting role.  It was obvious that she had been a great help to Dr. McCluskey during the 37 years they faithfully served at Wallace Memorial.  Eight years ago, Lib suffered a stroke.  While her health may have slowed the McCluskeys down, it certainly did not stop them.  Neither their spirit nor their faith ever seemed to waver.  It was so inspiring to see how this couple handled adversity.  Though Lib was in a wheelchair, they seldom missed a church service or event.  They still traveled some.  They went to ballgames.  They continued living their life.  Just days ago, Lib was called to her heavenly home.  Hearing the news was sad, and she will certainly be missed.  But she is in a much better place.  Those of us who had the joy of knowing Lib have surely been blessed by her presence here on this earth.

Words of Faith:  Jim shared Lib’s favorite Bible verse, John 3:16 (KJV)—“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”