Mr. Louis James McLendon was born on May 6, 1943, in Shubuta, Mississippi and transitioned on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, from COVID-19 related complications. Born “Lewis,” the spelling of his first name was eventually changed to “Louis.” He was the eighth child and baby boy of the late Martin and Ida (Brown) McLendon. While living in Shubuta, Mr. McLendon joined Mt. Zion Methodist Church at an early age and attended throughout his young adulthood. He attended elementary school in his hometown and in 1961 graduated from Shirley Owens High School in Quitman. After earning his high school diploma, he graduated from Okolona Junior College in 1963 and then transferred to Alcorn State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1965. Mr. McLendon furthered his graduate studies at Delta State University. While at Alcorn, he met the love of his life, Dessie Lee Williamson, whom he married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1966. To this union were born three children, Dr. Edith Mechelle Dzoole of Sugar Hill, Georgia, Attorney Louis (Felecia) McLendon of Lilburn, Georgia, and Mr. Michael McLendon of Nashville, Tennessee.
As a husband and father, Mr. McLendon worked in several capacities to provide for his family and to make sure his children knew the value of gainful employment and entrepreneurship. He worked the first ten years of his professional career as a resident of Sunflower County. Mr. McLendon was a social studies teacher at Drew High School, an adult education teacher at Parchman Penitentiary, and an employee of the Minter City Cotton Gin. While residing in the Mississippi Delta, he also purchased a school bus, which he used to transport spectators to football and basketball games. He also subcontracted with cotton producers throughout the Delta Region and bought a cargo truck, which he used to carry individuals to work in cotton fields.
After his father passed in 1976, Mr. McLendon wanted to live closer to his family members. He subsequently moved his wife and children to his hometown, Shubuta. Approximately two years later, with the help of his brothers, John, Robert, and Charles, and his favorite uncle, Anderson Brown, Sr., he built his home in Waynesboro. While living there, he joined the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized by the late Reverend J.R. Porter and where he served as a faithful member and a trustee until his health failed. For more than 30 years, Mr. McLendon worked as a teacher at Waynesboro Middle School and as a bus driver. He worked during the evening hours as an employee of Sunbeam Products, Inc.. As owner and operator of McLendon and Sons’ Fence Company, he installed chain-link fences throughout Waynesboro and surrounding areas. He also worked as a janitor for the First United Methodist Church.
In his spare time, he loved raising beagles, hunting raccoons, deer, and rabbits with his friends. He also enjoyed farming animals, and planting a community garden, always welcoming his relatives and friends to pick greens, peas, okra, and hot peppers. He will also be remembered for his love of sweet potatoes, pecans and parched peanuts, which he often ate and shared with friends at Waynesboro Central and Wayne County High School football and basketball games. Among his other pastimes were listening to Christmas music year round and to his favorite artists, Aretha Franklin, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, and Curtis Mayfield. His favorite sermon was “The Eagle Stirs Her Nest” by the late Reverend C.L. Franklin.
Mr. McLendon is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Martin McLendon, Jr., John McLendon, Robert McLendon; and his sisters, Gertia McLendon, who died as and infant, and Willie Mae Nelson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, his three children, and four grandchildren, Lilla, Camille, Cassidy, and Louis II. He also leaves his brother, Mr. Charles Albert (Bertha) McLendon of Waynesboro, and his sister, Mrs. Bertha Collins of Silver Springs, Maryland, as well as his brothers-in-law, Mr. Billy Charles (Louise) Williamson of Lockport, Illinois, Dr. Lionel Williamson of Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. Handy (Barbara) Williamson, Jr. of Columbus, Missouri, and Dr. Alex (Sandrea) Williamson of Greensboro, North Carolina; his sisters-in-law, Ms. Edna McLendon of Raymond, Ms. Betty Mae McLendon of Jackson, Mrs. Bertha O. McLendon of Waynesboro, Ms. Annie Rose Richardson, Ms. Gladys Williamson, and Mrs. Darcy Norris of Indianola. He will also be missed by a host of cousins, distant relatives, neighbors, and friends, and especially missed by a host of nieces and nephews, many who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Chief.”
The McLendon Family would like to thank all family members, neighbors, and friends for your prayers and words of encouragement during this time. We would like to especially thank and will be eternally grateful to Mr. Selma Everette and Ms. Angie Gandy, who transported our loved one back and forth to the dialysis units in Waynesboro and in Pachuta; Mrs. Dee Dee Crane and the staff of Wisteria Manor Assisted Living Facility; the doctors, nurses, social workers, and staff of Wayne General, Forrest General, and Marion General Hospitals for their service and compassion; his friends, the late Mr. Shelton Powe, Mr. Cottro Whitfield, and Mr. Timothy Caver, who were always available to lend a helping hand; and to Turner Funeral Home for the arrangements. Finally, in lieu of flowers, we are asking that you graciously make a donation to Alcorn State University at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/asufevents/ or by mailing a check or money order to the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc., 1000 ASU Drive #810, Lorman, MS 39096-7500.
