Essie Mae McClendon was born on July 15, 1925, in Leary, Georgia.

She was employed as a housekeeper and was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Deaconesses Board Ministry. Essie enjoyed her hobbies of knitting, quilting, sewing and crocheting.

Essie was a woman that walked with God reflecting His beauty in her life. She was a woman of good character, who prayed for her household and children. She was a woman of faith who taught her family that only God is the truth. Essie will be remembered as a woman who walked in virtue and gracefully reflected the purpose for which she was created, thus bringing glory to God.

Essie Mae McClendon departed this earthly life for her eternal home on January 20, 2024.

Essie was predeceased by her husband, Willie D. McClendon and sons, Samuel L. McClendon and Michael A. McClendon.

She leaves to cherish her memories…

Sons: Elder Bobbie Dean Smith (Ethel) of Hillside, NJ, Reverend Willie D. McClendon, Jr. (Lois) of Largo, FL, Charles W. McClendon (Angela) of Clearwater, FL and Bennie W. McClendon (Elizabeth) of Pinellas Park, FL

Daughters: Daisy Pearl Beal, Clemontine Miller, Mary Ann McClendon and Essie Rean McClendon, all of Largo, FL

Daughters-in-law: Barbara McClendon and Angela L. McClendon, of Largo, FL;

Brother: Jethrow Clark of Willingboro, NJ

Sister: Ida Mae Williams of Clearwater, FL

Sister-in-law: Martha McClendon of Harrisburg, PA

A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Public Viewing: Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Shiloh Missionary Baptist, 13255-118th Street N., Largo, Florida 33778

Life Celebration: Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00 A.M. Shiloh Missionary Baptist, 13255-118th Street N., Largo, Florida 33778

Services Entrusted to Smith-Young's Funeral Home & Cremation Services.