It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Ahmed Mahama McClelland of Zebulon, who left us early on May 20, 2023 at 35 years old.
Ahmed was born on March 2, 1988 to Emma and Joseph Mahama. The youngest of three children, he grew up in Peachtree City. Attending Starr’s Mill High School, he excelled at tennis and mock trial before attending Georgia Military College. As an adult, Ahmed was an adventurer who thrived traveling widely, and spent years living in Dallas, TX and Aurora, IL. Ahmed returned to Georgia in 2019 with his husband Jared, where the two began building their dream home.
A people-person to the core, Ahmed devoted his boundless charisma to a successful career in sales. First in telecommunications, and later to the trades supply industry. As a manager, Ahmed saw the potential in people, and worked hard in every role to provide mentorship and support to so many. Ahmed was riotously funny, and unendingly generous. Those lucky enough to meet his high standards for close friendship were rewarded with unmatched loyalty. Especially dear to him were Katy Brimlow, Sam Sowerbrower, and Bobbie-Jo Farrish, but his abundant friendships leave too many bereaved to name in full here - you know who you are! His friends meant everything to him, and Ahmed will be forever remembered for how deeply he loved and was loved in return. The outpouring of condolences Ahmed’s family has received in recent days is a glowing testament to the network of support he deeply cherished.
Those who love him know that Ahmed was unstoppable in a fresh outfit. His favorite food was gravy - with every meal. He was a cleaning prodigy, and a natural athlete who recently embraced golf on top of his tennis passion. He was Whitney Houston’s #1 fan (and her self-proclaimed spiritual inheritor, proven through his talent for singing). If you ever saw Ahmed’s hand fly up while out together… you knew he was about to hand out shots and the party would truly begin. Ahmed loved to dance at every opportunity, but his favorite occasion for dancing was undoubtedly August 19, 2017 - the day he married the love of his life.
In Jared, Ahmed found balance. Since meeting in 2016, the two have complemented one another across adventures both complex and quotidian. Ahmed loathed board games… but would entertain them for Jared’s sake. When Jared cooked, Ahmed cleaned. Ahmed dreamed up the big goals, and Jared planned their routes to achieve them. The two supported each other through eight years, moving across the country several times in pursuit of their goals, and eventually building their dream home on a foundation of deep love. Together they shared secrets, countless belly laughs, and two big extended families whose lives have been enriched monumentally.
Ahmed is survived and celebrated by his mother Emma Mahama and lovingly remembered by his siblings: Jemima Gyawu, Mandel Mahama, and Gyawu Mahama; nieces, Rahana Kotomah, Alyse Mahama, Alanna Twum and Eric Twum. They are joined by aunts Sarah, Eunice, Isabella, Mary, and Yvonne; uncles Sammy and Kofi; cousins Rosa, Reuben, Zorica and Cyril and honorary family member Sandra Stimpson among many others. Ahmed is also immensely missed by his mother and father-in-law, Melanie and Carl McClelland; his brother-and-sister-in-law Zach and Laura Lee McClelland, and nephew Carter, as well as grandparents-in-law Brenda and Bob Alexander, and Charles McClelland. Ahmed is preceded in death by his grandparents John and Rebecca Boafo Adu, and grandmother-in-law: Rachel McClelland. He will be forever loved by his husband: Jared McClelland.
No amount of time with Ahmed would have been enough, and the family are joined by a great many heartbroken friends who will cherish his memory, forever. In lieu of flowers, we encourage sending potted perennials to 12959, Highway 18 W Zebulon GA 30295, to nourish his home’s garden.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Ahmed on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 3 PM at the First Presbyterian Church (206 Willowbend Rd., Peachtree City). All family and friends are invited to attend.
