Kimberly "Kim" McClendon

Kim McClendon of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 66, surrounded by her loving mother and brother, Ken. She was born on July 25, 1959, in Nashville to Clayton Sugg McClendon and Betty Brown McClendon and spent over 30 years living with her mom and sister, Kathy, in the Charlotte Park community of West Nashville. Most recently, she was a resident of The Rochelle Center’s residential program, where she happily lived with her sister.

Kim attended Bailey School before joining The Rochelle Center, where she took part in programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She found great joy in participating in their work program—earning a paycheck and working side-by-side with her friends.

Kim lived by Will Rogers’ words: “Strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet.” An expert social butterfly, she thrived on connection and loved activities such as bowling, concerts, and traveling to Florida on vacation with her sister and the Rochelle Center Staff. A devoted country music fan, she attended countless concerts, played her favorite CDs and tapes, and could sing every verse of every song she loved. Kim was warm, authentic, tender-hearted, funny, and deeply devoted to her family. She had a special bond with her mom and sister, cherishing their daily phone calls to share the events of the day. She also looked forward to visits to the home where she grew up, enjoying a meal and spending time with her brother’s dog. Her passing leaves a light dimmed in the lives of those who knew her, but her spirit and joy will live on in the hearts of many.

Kim was preceded in death by her father, Clayton Sugg McClendon; brother, Michael Clayton McClendon; grandparents Alton B. Brown Sr., Mary Florence Brown, Manson McClendon, Elva Mae Inman, and Jesse Inman; uncles Alton B. Brown Jr., Robert McClendon, Tommy McClendon, Bobby Pugh, and Billy Bowers; and aunts Jewel Brown, Mary Ruth Brown, Dorthy Pugh, Alice Imogene Bowers, and Lila McClendon.

She is survived by her mother, Betty Brown McClendon; sister, Kathy Lynn McClendon; stepsister, Denise (Conrad) Bates; brothers, Kenneth W. McClendon and Dutch Conrad; nephew, Chase K. McClendon; uncles, William Brown and Thomas Brown; adopted brother, Roger Sparks; and the staff and caregivers of The Rochelle Center, who were like family.

The family wishes to thank Saint Thomas Nashville West ER and ICU teams for their compassionate care during Kim’s final days. Special thanks are also extended to the staff and caregivers at The Rochelle Center for their love and dedication over the years.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kim’s honor to The Rochelle Center, 237 French Landing Drive, Nashville, TN 37228, (615) 254-0672.