Elizabeth Kirkland McLendon

Published 12:00 am Sunday, December 27, 2015

QUITMAN — Elizabeth Kirkland McLendon, born March 9, 1913, in Quitman to Ada Dabbs and Stuart Benson Kirkland, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 24, 2015, at the age of 102.

As a lifelong resident of Quitman, Mrs. McLendon was affectionately known to those in her community as Miss Elizabeth.

She and her brother, J.K., grew up helping in the family hardware store, J.K. Kirkland Hardware, and came to love all the customers she met through the years, especially on those busy Saturdays. She was a member of First Baptist Church, of which she enjoyed attending almost every Sunday morning until her death.

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Mrs. McLendon graduated from Quitman High School in 1931, Blue Mountain College in 1935 and was a member of the Hill Society. After graduation, she returned to Quitman where she married a local friend, Franklin Amos McLendon, in 1941. Miss Elizabeth was a beacon of light to the community, opening her home to many, especially the friends of her daughter, Gage. Miss Elizabeth entertained with ease and always made visitors feel welcome. Her gift was that of hospitality and compassion.

She was a member of the Quitman Woman’s Club and the Pushmataha Chapter of the DAR in Meridian. She became a lifetime member of DAR in January of 1996 and honored in 2011 as a 70-year member.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Franklin Amos McLendon; her stepmother, Marguerite Mullett Kirkland; brother, J.K. Kirkland (Betty) of Quitman; granddaughter, Beth Roberson of Greenwood; stepbrothers, Dick Mullett of Kansas City, Missouri, Bill Mullett of Dunedin, Florida, and son-in-law, Thomas Upton Black Jr. of Greenwood.

Mrs. McLendon is survived by her loving daughter, Gage M. Black of Greenwood; a grandson, William Marion Roberson II and his wife Ann; great-grandchildren, Maggie, Farrell, Annie and William Roberson, all of Vicksburg; step-grandchildren include Jan Stokes and T.U. Black III of Dallas, Texas; Ashley B. Daves (Mike) and step-great-grandchildren, Michael, Meagan and Patrick Daves, all of Fairhope, Ala.

She also leaves a stepbrother, Bob Mullett of Overland Park, Kan.; and a stepsister-in-law, Ann Mullett of Prairie Village, Kan.; niece Julie Rowell (George) of Quitman; nephews, John Kirkland (Carolyn) of Quitman, Jere Kirkland (Phyllis) of Tupelo and Dr. Dewey Myers of Jackson.

Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, from 9:30 to 11a.m. Services will follow at 11. Both will be held at Wright’s Funeral Home in Quitman, with the Rev. Gene Neal officiating.

Pallbearers will be John Hammack, Al Vowell, Freddie Blackledge, George “Buddy” Williams, Harvey Shirley, Anthony Cran, Robby Daniels, Chad Daniels, Mike Daves and William Roberson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Mark Allen, Hal N. Dabbs Jr., Ray Smith and Guilliam Graham.

A special thank you is given to Patsy Brock and Johni Daniels for their kindness and friendship.

The family would also like to thank the lovely ladies that spent many hours loving and caring for our Miss Elizabeth. These include Fannie Ransom, Mary Windham, Jessie Wallace, Essie Hall and Candy Smith.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 720, Quitman, MS 39355 or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.