Myrtle McClendon was born on April 3, 1930 in Wynne, Arkansas. She was one of twelve children born to Calvin and Eula Stegall. Myrtle had eight brothers: Lockett, Earnest, Herman, Calvin Jr., Lester, Alvin, Lawrence and James Lee, as well as three sisters: Mildred, Gerline and Marylois. All of her siblings, except her younger brother James Lee, have preceded her in death.
Brought up in the faith at St. Mary’s CME Church in Wynne, Myrtle made her commitment to follow Christ at a young age. Once she began her spiritual journey and put her hands on the work God assigned to her, she never looked back. Often along the way as she was cooking or cleaning or even dressing the communion table, you might hear her singing her favorite hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus.”
For over ten years, Myrtle worked at Community East Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. And as much as she loved being a nurse, she set her career aside and made the decision to serve alongside her husband as a charter member of Breeding Tabernacle CME Church. For nearly 60 years she served God in a number of capacities, from First Lady and church secretary to Stewardess and choir member.
On January 6, 1946, in her mother’s bedroom at the tender age of 15, Myrtle married her childhood sweetheart, Arthor C. McClendon, Sr. Arthor and Myrtle were united in holy matrimony for 58 years until God called Arthor home in 2004. Together they birthed five sons: Thomas (Mary), Earl (Angela), Arthor Jr. (Daphne), Anthony and Gregory, and also raised three beautiful daughters: Geraldine (Joseph), Gwendolyn (The late Jim C. Edwards Sr.) and Mary Lee. Myrtle leaves to honor her legacy all of her children as well as her host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Resting peacefully in her bed, Myrtle received her wings on December 5, 2018 at 1:30 pm at the age of eighty-eight years, eight months and two days. Special thanks to her caregiverr Sharon Smith (Little Sharon) for her dedication and service in the care of our matriarch. Above all else Myrtle served the Lord, then her beloved family with both nobility and devotion. If ever there was a living testimony of a Proverbs 31 woman, Myrtle was that woman. God be praised for her life, her love and her undisputed legacy of kindness!
