Deaconess Ethel Mae McClendon was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida to the Late Minnie and Julius Henry, Sr. on January 24, 1936. Her family moved to Dade City when she was a young child, where she attended school, blossomed into a young lady and eventually met and married the love of her life, Lawrence McClendon. Together they raised their four children. In her early years, she loved to travel and host parties, but eventually longed for a personal relationship with Christ. She happily converted and became a baptized member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served until her health began to fail. During her career, she worked for Kraft Foods Group, helped to co-manage McClendon Harvesting Company and finally retired from the Pasco County School District. Deaconess McClendon departed this life on Sunday, May 5, 2019. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Lawrence McClendon; one son, Charles F. McClendon (Tonya) of Powder Springs, GA; three beautiful daughters, Yvonne Henry Arnold (Claude) of Powder Springs, GA, Mara L. Henry of Tampa, FL and Denise McClendon Harris (Dr. Ira) of Charlottesville, VA; brother, Julius Henry Jr. (Ella) of Wintervillle, NC; her half siblings, Carmen Henry of St. Petersburg, FL, Bob Calhoun of Zephyrhills, FL and Nita Calhoun of Dade City; seven grandchildren, Justin McClendon, Sydney Harris, Courtney McClendon, Kelsey Harris, Julien Henry, Taylor McClendon and Holly Harris; as well as two great-grandchildren, Caleb McClendon and Jacob McClendon; and a host of cousins (especially, Anita Matthews), friends and loved ones. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gulfside Hospice; Attn: Carla Armstrong, 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639.
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