Sandra Kay Eleby-McClendon

Obituary For Sandra Kay Eleby-McClendon

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

When we leave this earthly life, we leave behind all we have and carry with us all we are. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, our beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, daughter, cousin, and friend, Mrs. Sandra Kay Eleby-McClendon, carried with her a lifetime of love, strength, and unwavering faith.

Sandra Kay Eleby-McClendon was born on April 23, 1963, in Lamar County, Georgia, to the late Rachel Revere Eleby and Elbert Eleby Sr. She was the youngest of eight siblings, a role that shaped her strength and deep love for family. From an early age, she desired to know the Lord for herself and joined Green Mount Methodist Church, anchoring her life in faith.

After graduating from Lamar County Comprehensive High School, Sandra began working as a cook. Cooking was her expression of love, a gift passed down from her mother, Rachel, whose Louisiana recipes became treasured family traditions. Sandra built a culinary career that spanned decades. She served as a lead chef at Gordon College and at Pine Valley Girl Scout Camp during the summers, where she even took up swimming lessons. Later, she started and excelled in her own catering business. She also worked as a dietary aide at Sunny Grove Assisted Living before retiring. In every kitchen she entered, the main ingredient was always love.

In the midst of building her career, Sandra met and fell deeply in love with Harvey Joe McClendon. Their love story spanned over 40 years, a testament to devotion, partnership, and joy. Together, they raised their children and embraced the blessing of being surrounded by their family. In their younger years, they loved traveling, dancing, and coordinating their wardrobes to perfection. They were, and will always remain, a dynamic duo. Family was the cornerstone of her life. She joyfully hosted holiday gatherings filled with laughter, beautiful decorations, and abundant food. She created lasting memories and became a mother figure to many. Her legacy of faith, love, and strength will live on in all who knew her.

Sandra leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters and a son in love, Mrs. Jacqueline (Dexter) Grant, Ms. Princess Eleby, and Ms. Angela Kay Eleby; four stepchildren, Harvey (Pete) McClendon, Harvey (Butterball) McClendon, Terrell McClendon, and Curlisa McClendon; and seven grandchildren, Serenity Kimora Evans, Christain Prince Evans, D’Angelo Trayvon Eleby, Mariya Shanta Hardaway, Marcus Jamal Hardaway, Neveah Alexandria Grant, and Janiyla Jacqueline Grant; four sisters, Mrs. Clotel (Walter) Geiger, Mrs. Carol Caslin, Mrs. F. Kitty (Robert) Foster, and Mrs. Rachel (Ricky) Pryor; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Josephine Revere and Ms. Lauran McClendon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, step grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mrs. Rachel Revere Eleby and Mr. Elbert Eleby Sr.; her brothers, Paul Ellerby, Marvin Revere, and Elbert Eleby Jr.; her brothers-in-law, Mr. Ricky Pryor, Mr. Watloe Geiger, Mr. Bobby Lee McClendon, Mr. Willie McClendon, and Mr. Henry Louis McClendon; and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Clarence McClendon.

There are no words sufficient to capture what Sandra meant to those who loved her. Her light was unmistakable. She opened her heart and her kitchen to many, and in doing so, she nourished more than bodies; she nourished souls.

Even in her final moments, Sandra remained true to her strong-willed and independent spirit. She lived life on her own terms, courageous, steadfast, and full of love.

Her legacy lives on in every recipe shared, every holiday table and grill gathered around, every opportunity she created, and every life she touched. She will forever be missed, forever cherished, and forever loved.

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