Battle Mortuary | Panama City, FL

Obituary For Ms. Theresa Elizabeth Williams McClendon

Theresa Elizabeth Williams McClendon, affectionately known as “Mother T”, was born on April 24, 1947, to the late Guy Lee Williams, Sr., and the late Julia Pinkard Williams. She grew up in Apalachicola, FL and graduated from Wallace Quinn High School. After graduating from Wallace Quinn, she moved to Chicago, IL where she began working with K-Mart, from which she would later retire from after a successful career with the company.

Mother T would continue to enjoy Chicago with her two daughters until 1986 when she moved back to Apalachicola. As a devoted and faithful servant of God, she began attending St. Paul AME Church where the late Reverend James Rouse was Pastor. Through her love of music and musical gift from the Lord to sing, she was a member of the choir and attended Sunday school every Sunday. She was a faithful member of the community and participated in many events across Apalachicola.

Continuing her journey through life, Theresa moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1991 and began attending Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church where the late Bishop Frank Stallworth was Pastor. She continued to use her heavenly voice to sing in the choir and ministered through her gift from God. After a brief stay in Tallahassee, Theresa moved back to Apalachicola and returned to her home church of St. Paul where Reverend Earl McGlockton was Pastor. It was at this point in life, that God called her to become a Deaconess within the church. She continued to sing in the choir and remained an advocate in the community that she loved so dearly.

After the high school graduation of her youngest daughter, she moved to Kissimmee, FL in 2000 where she began to pursue her lifelong dream of owning her own family childcare center. Mother T loved children and garnered experience in childcare development when she lived in Apalachicola by working with her niece’s childcare facility, Davis Family Daycare. It was from this experience and her determination that she was able to fulfill that lifelong dream when she opened McClendon Family Child Care. While living in Kissimmee, Mother T continued her devotion to the Lord as a member of Harvest Time Ministry & Worship Center where Reverend Melvin Jenkins is Pastor.

Life brought Mother T back to her hometown of Apalachicola in 2010 where she became a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist where her son-in-law Reverend Barry Hand is Pastor. In the latter years of her life, she continued caring for children as a substitute teacher at Early Education Care and with Davis Family Development Center until her health began to decline.

After years of service on this Earth, on March 25, 2022, the Lord called Mother T to hang up her earthly crown in exchange for her heavenly crown. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Alexander Williams, James Williams, and Guy Williams, Jr.: four sisters, Carrie Davis, Fannie Mae Byrd, Mary Carol Robinson, and Versie Lee Williams.

Mother T’s precious memories will be cherished by her two daughters, Melissa Williams Hand (Barry) of Apalachicola, FL, and Tanisha McClendon Hand (Bobby) of Tallahassee, FL; three sisters, Mildred Zeumault of West Palm Beach, FL, Louvenia Williams of Chicago, IL, and Katherine Clark of Port St. Joe, FL.; seven grandchildren; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 12 noon Est at St. Paul AME Church in Apalachicola with Pastor Garry Reed, Pastor Barry Hand, Pastor David Walker and Minister Alisa Hendels officiating. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Battle Mortuary.

Guest Book

I already miss you Auntie. Your love was so powerful and that I will always remember.

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Ms. Theresa may your soul be at rest in his arms. Love Sherita

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Aunt Theresa thank you for all the laughs and smiles.I know for a fact St.Paul on 4th Sunday was the place to be.Love always!

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You and your family are in my prayers may God to give you strength and peace. From Annette Edwards

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Aunt Theresa was always full of life. Her love for Jesus and strength in Him will be greatly missed. I will only think of the good times we had with her growing up. Love you aunt Theresa. Tonya Williams

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My precious aunt Theresa is greatly missed. But I rejoice at her return with Jesus, for I know we will see her again. Praying for her daughters and their families and the rest of our family. With love, Louvenia, Derrick and Tonya Williams

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Battle Mortuary | Panama City, FL