Rita Joe McClendon

Rita Joe McClendon, age 83, passed away on January 17th, 2023 in Mesquite, TX. She was born on July 7th, 1939 in Clarksville, TX to Clarence and Hazel Funderburk. Rita was raised in Negley, TX and graduated from Dimple High School in 1958. She Married Duke McClendon in 1960 and they had 2 children.

Rita began working for the Southwestern Bell Company, later to be known as AT&T Phone Company in 1958 and retired in 1990. After this time she became an in-home care taker for several years and eventually began working for Chick-Fil-A. Rita worked for Chick-Fil-A from 2003 to 2020 and only ceased working due to the store closing due to the pandemic. During her last years on earth Rita spent as much time with her family and friends as she could.

To know Rita was to know love. A true heart full of love for others and willing to do anything for someone else. She loved her family the most, talking about them and sharing stories about them often. One particular, her great grandson Jake was the light of her life. She spent as much time with him as she could, even most recently asking him to teach her how to text. The two of them would play hide-and-seek and Mario kart together. Anything he asked from Mamaw, she would happily do it. Her love didn't stop there. Rita never met a stranger and had so many friends. She cared for and loved on so many families during her years at Chick-Fil-A. Her team there was more than just her co-workers, they truly were an extension of family. She would spend time with her friends dancing and listening to live music at the VFW or even enjoying a Gospel music night. Rita had a way of lighting up the room and sharing her love with so many. She will truly be missed as our hearts will never be the same.

Rita is preceded in death by husband Duke McClendon, parents Clarence and Hazel Funderburk and siblings Gladys, J.R, J.W, Doris, Jim Fred, Jack, Eva Joyce and Earl Glenn.

Rita is survived by daughter JaDona Cox and husband Jerry, son Ray McClendon, grandson Rayford McClendon and wife Stacy and Great Grandson Jake McClendon, Sister Jan Silvey and husband Dean, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.