Joyce Marie Mcclendon

Marcella (Joyce) Marie McClendon, age 84 peacefully transitioned to Heaven in the early morning hours of Monday, May 14, 2018 at Parkwest Hospital, Knoxville. She was the sixth of seven siblings born into the union of James Aaron Melton and Thursda Thompson Melton. Initially she was a member of North Point Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but later joined the St. Paul United Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater. During her tenure at St. Paul Church, Joyce taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and actively participated in the Women’s Missionary Society. Joyce excelled in public education at the renowned High Point High School in Sweetwater and graduated near the top of her class in 1951. Her love for learning and helping others learn was the motivation for Joyce to specialize in Elementary Education while attending Swift College, Lane College with graduation from Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, Tennessee. Upon completing her formal education, Joyce returned to Sweetwater and taught elementary grade levels at High Point and Brown Elementary Schools in the Monroe County School System for more than 15 years. Joyce’s zeal to help others learn did not stop when schools closed during the summer months, throughout the year she would teach those preparing for a GED ; tutoring those with special learning needs; and provide reading assistance in passing their driver license exams. In 1961 Joyce was united in marriage to Charles Oscar McClendon and this union produced two children: Pamela Jo and Jonathan Fitzgerald McClendon. Joyce McClendon is preceded in death by parents James Aaron and Thursda Thompson Melton; (brothers) Houston, Richard, James Aaron II, Marvin and Raymond; (sister) Mildred Melton Upton; (husband) Charles McClendon, and (daughter) Pamela McClendon Patterson.

Joyce McClendon is survived by a loving and dedicated son, Jonathan Fitzgerald, who thought it not robbery to commit himself to the health, safety and welfare of his beloved mother for more than 30 years. Also, Joyce is survived by grandsons Caleb and Elijah Patterson and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, professional colleagues and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday May 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Church 1018 Morris Street, Sweetwater, Tn. with Reverend Archie Smart officiating the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Sweetwater Memorial Gardens. Visitation by friends will be Saturday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.