Mazie Marie McClendon

Mazie Marie McClendon, age 88, of Gallant, AL passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Attalla, AL. The family will receive friends in the Chapel from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Chaplain Mike Smith will officiate. Mrs. McClendon will be laid to rest at Bethlehem United Baptist Church Cemetery in Gallant, AL.

Marie was born to Thomas and Nellie Justus in Panther, West Virginia. She was one of eight children, her siblings, Beckley (Leola), Tommy (Anna), Douglas (Ellen), Paul (Glenda), Loudena (Cash), Mary (Kirk), and Nita (Justus), were her first companions and lifelong friends. That strong foundation of family stayed with her throughout her life.

On April 7, 1956, she married the love of her life, Ray Lamar McClendon. Together they raised two sons, Timothy and Wyman, and built a life grounded in faith, family, and service.

She graduated from Northfork-Elkhorn High School and West Virginia Business College, where she studied accounting, a field she mastered. She worked as a corporate controller and was a trailblazer in bringing telecommunications to rural communities, paving the way for progress where it was needed most.

More than anything, being a mother meant the world to Marie. She poured her heart into raising her sons and loved them fiercely throughout their entire lives. Her pride in them was immeasurable, and her love was steady and unconditional. Becoming a grandmother to Yvette (Jason) and later a great-grandmother to Isabel filled her heart with even more joy. She lit up with pride whenever she spoke of her boys, her granddaughter, or her great-granddaughter. Her family was truly the center of her world.

Marie was a pillar of her community in Gallant and devoted herself to serving it in every way she could; her church, her projects, and simply by being present and dependable. She was also a pillar in her church where she served faithfully as a Sunday School leader, treasurer, and choir member. Her love for Jesus was the foundation of all she did, inspiring her service and her devotion to others. She proudly decorated the church for holidays, weddings, and showers. Her touch was in everything she did, through music, serving, and care. She had the gift for creating Southern meals that brought people together. Food was always made with love, and feeding others was one of the many ways she showed her love and care.

She loved southern gospel music and traveled extensively with husband Ray (Songsters Quartet). She was a devoted wife to Ray for 67 years. Their shared love of music was just one reflection of the deep partnership they built together, rooted in faith, family, friendship, and devotion.

Marie was a master of knitting and cross-stitching. She took great pride in her work, creating beautiful quilts and blankets for weddings, newborns, and special occasions with family, friends, and her church. Her pieces were works of art, stitched with love and purpose. Her talent and dedication earned her awards at competitions and each creation reflected her creativity.

Mazie Marie McClendon lived a life of faith in action. Her kindness, wisdom, creativity, and unwavering commitment to others have left a mark that will never fade. She will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in every life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Elder Food Program of Gallant Baptist Church, 8955 Gallant Rd, Gallant, AL 35972, care of Mazie Marie McClendon. These loving people truly care and provide for the senior citizen community.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jackie Justus, Mark McClendon, Matt McClendon, Stephen Clark, Hank Appleton, Jeremy Hannah, Clay Campbell, Jason Abrams, Anthony Robbins, and Chris Jamison.

Special Consideration of Deepest Appreciation to: Aveanna Hospice of Gadsden, UAB/St. Vincents (Oneonta Regional Hospital), Dr. Lianke Mu (Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism) (Gadsden), Dr. Joshua A. Turner (Cardiologist - Birmingham Heart Clinic), Jonathan M. Welch, P.C. (Gadsden), Ricky Battles (Auto Doctor – Attalla), and Franks Roofing LLC (Gadsden).

Morgan Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.