Whitney Marie McClendon transitioned to eternity on January 18, 2021.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut on June 27, 1986 to Eaker and Belinda McClendon, she was a member of Macedonia Church of God in Christ, led by Bishop H. D. Bordeaux.

At an early age, Whitney embraced creative arts and enrolled in Dee Dee’s School of Dance. Later, she joined Leah’s School of Dance and participated in competitions, with venues as distant as St. Thomas, where her dance troupe finished first in the Caribbean Festival. Whitney attended Career High School in New Haven as an accomplished student and cheerleader. She maintained a joyful, positive, engaging personality and adored her family. Matriculating at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, Whitney earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. After completing an M.B.A. at Albertus Magnus in New Haven, she relocated to Richmond. There she joined the Anointed New Life Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Diane Mosby and served on the worship team. Professionally, Whitney was an outstanding business education teacher at the Douglas Wilder Middle School.

Predeceased by her father, Eaker McClendon, and two siblings, Clarissa Lumpkin (Eric) and Annette Pettaway, Whitney leaves to honor her life-legacy a daughter, Kennedy Marie Cobb; her mother, Belinda McClendon Bass (Wayne); two sisters, Shanequa ‘Niki’ Sturgis-Nash (Marquese) and Cassandra Lowery; two brothers, Marvin McClendon (Cynthia) and Eaker McClendon, Jr. (Cheryl); two uncles, Rowan McClendon and Richard Battle (Brenda), along with numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and a host of family and friends.

A Walk-through Viewing will be held Friday, January 29, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 A.M. at Trinity Temple Church, 285 Dixwell Ave., New Haven followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.