Mother Joanna McClendon

Mother Joanna McClendon was born September 2, 1937 in Twin Lakes, Florida to the Late Freeman Courtney Sr. and the Late Eunice Fernand.  Joanna attended the Public School System of Pasco County.  She was a graduate of Moore Academy, graduating with the class of 1954 .  While raising her children, she attended and later graduated from St. Leo College in 1978 with a Bachelors in Education.  Her love for teaching and helping  students succeed in life, afforded her a career as a Substitute Teacher.  Joanna was well known in her community for her substitute teaching.  With her sweet and gentle spirit, the students loved and respected her dearly.  Mother McClendon accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and remained dedicated to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She served in her church as Secretary and Church Mother for many years.  Mother McClendon loved life and lived life to the fullest.  She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and close family and friends.  Mother McClendon had a great love for the word of God.  In her spare time, you could find her watching her favorite cowboy shows and doing her crossword puzzles.  In 1956, she met and married the love of her life,  Jesse McClendon and to this union four sons were born; Keith, Jesse, Freeman and Todd.  Mother McClendon had the opportunity to see two of her sons work in ministry and supported them both.  She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother to her family.  Not only was she loved among her biological family but received much love from her extended church family.  On October 21, 2019, Mother McClendon answered the call from a loving God who welcomed her home to her eternal rest.  Mother McClendon passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jesse McClendon; and her son, Keith McClendon.  She leaves fond memories with her loving and devoted sons, Bishop Jesse B. McClendon (Terry) of Dade CIty, FL, Elder Freeman D. McClendon (Rosandrea) of Zephyrhills, FL and Todd F. McClendon of Dade City, FL; one loving brother, Freeman Courtney Jr. of Trilby, FL; eight grandsons, Terrance McClendon (Ella) of Tampa, FL, Bryan McClendon (I'shorn) of Dade City, FL, Andre McClendon and Jesse McClendon Jr. both of Tampa, FL, Freeman D. McClendon Jr. (Justine) of Tampa, FL, Darrell McClendon and Travis McClendon of Zephyrhills, FL  and Kevin Erondu of Los Angeles, CA; two loving and devoted granddaughters, Trinay Crichlow of Winston Salem, NC and Jada McClendon of Zephyrhills, FL; five great grandchildren, X'Zavier McClendon, Christopher McClendon, Amir McClendon, Marcellus Crichlow and Mar'Quis Crichlow; one great granddaughter, Heaven Crichlow; one brother-in-law, Lawrence McClendon of Atlanta, GA; one sister-in-law, Ola Mae McClendon of Land O' Lakes, FL; special cousins, Maxine Tucker, Dorsey Steele, Glendora Johnson, Deloris Pope, Willie Johnson and Mack Johnson; special longtime friend, Ruthie Mae Echols; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other sorrowing relatives and friends.   .    

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