It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leah Inez Calhoun McLendon on March 24, 2023. Inez was born to Riley George Calhoun and Louise Taylor Calhoun in Pensacola, Florida on January 8, 1937. Her family moved to Macon, where she later graduated from Miller High School. In Macon, she met and married Joe Lewis McLendon in March 6, 1955, and her son, Chris, was born in 1956 in Augusta while Joe was stationed at Fort Gordon. In 1959, she trained as a Laboratory Technician so she could work to help her family while Joe attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. Inez graduated with the highest GPA of any student to that point at her medical technology school. She had her daughter Leah (Quillian) in 1964 while Joe was a 4th year Medical Student and her daughter Lynn (Rhodes) in 1965 during Joe’s internship year at The Macon Hospital. She also worked at the VA throughout Joe’s time in medical school. He completed his Ophthalmology Residency at The Medical College of Georgia and brought his family to Macon where he joined Eye Physicians. Inez later served as Joe’s Office Manager and Surgical Assistant for many years. These are only a few examples of her dedication to her family and hard-working nature that were constants throughout her life.
She had a keen mind and quick wit that her family adored. Her hobbies were gardening, arranging flowers, travel, and Georgia Football. She participated as a Cherry Blossom Festival guide. Inez and Joe were active members of Highland Hills Baptist Church and sang in the choir for many years.
She leaves behind her husband, her three children and two sons-in-law, Daniel D. Quillian & Sim Zellner “Trey” Rhodes, III; her grandchildren Taylor Wright McLendon (Mary Priestly Jarrard McLendon), Coleman Lynn McIntosh (Reed McIntosh), Kellyn Leah Quillian, Caroline Louise Quillian, Sim Zellner Rhodes, IV, Leah McLendon “Sister” Rhodes; and last, but not least, her great-grandchildren Wright Christopher McLendon, Bridges Arrington McLendon, and Priestly Ragan McLendon. She is also survived by her brother Riley “George” Calhoun (Gail) and their son and daughter. Inez was preceded in death by her baby brother, Alonzo “Doug” Calhoun, who left his wife Jane and their two sons.
Dr. and Mrs. Joe L. McLendon had just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 1419 Bass Road, Macon GA 31210 with visitation following. Burial will be private for family only in Riverside Cemetery. Dr. Jimmy Asbell and Dr. Jim Bruner will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Billy Graham Evagelistic Association or Samaritan's Purse.
Visit www.snowsbr.com to express tributes.
Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.
