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.
Very sad to read this. Losing a young adult and a young educator is tragic.
I did not know Whitney but I did know her father.
My deepest condolences.
My Goddaughter brought live joy and happiness to me and everyone she came in contact with I drove 3,000 miles from California through one of the worst snow storms for her Christening when you were six months old That was one of the greatest moments in my life You are now one of God’s Angels and I know you will be entertaining everyone in Heaven with your dance skills We will always have you in our hearts mind and thoughts God called you home for a reason We didn’t want you to go so soon God knows best
I’ll see you again soon and see your ice melting smile Thank you God for allowing me to talk to her a few days before you called her home we made plans for her to come to California to visit This summer Until then RIP
RIP Goddaughter I’ll see you soon God called you home and left a emptiness in our lives You are now dancing for God and one of his favorite angels I thank GOD I was able to talk to you a few days before he took you We made plans for you to visit me in California this summer but God had bigger plans for you
We are truly sorry for the lost of our love one, may God give you the strength to get through at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you much love ” The Boatwright Family”
To Rowan McClendon and family, sorry for the loss of your niece, our prayers are extended to you and your family.
Robert and Lillian Blount – Hamden, CT
To the McClendon and Bass family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter was such a beautiful young lady, who’s beautiful spirit entered the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Her smile and warm “hellos” will be with me forever. May God continue to keep, strengthen and comfort you all and precious Kennedy.
Tracy Glass
My deepest condolences go out to the McClendon family. Whitney was such a beautiful person both inside and out. I always looked up to her as a a dancer at Dee Dee’s, and she always treated me like family. My prayers are with the McClendon family during this very difficult time. Rest peacefully in heaven Whitney! ???????
Whit you will never be forgotten. You are with granny and our other loved ones. I know that you are dancing around Heaven and having a great time.
Love you forever,
Cousin Ruby
I have known Whitney from a early age.What a beautiful ,happy filled with Gods love inside of her.Her smile and laughter said it all.She spent many days at my house with my daughter Jackie.They were two of a kind,both liked to gigle and laugh all the time.To the family which i also have known before she was born into this world,asking and praying that the lord give you his strength and love at this time.Hold on,we know its not going to be easy,as you go through this time and the days ahead.Remember the lord said he will be with you through all your trails and tribulations He said that he will never leave you,nor forsake youOne day you will see and be with her again.May the lord be with you all.love you Venson Taylor Sr. and Family.
Prayers going out to the whole family. God keep us all strong.
To Belinda,Rowan and Family I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. Eaker would have been
so very proud of her ! George Lange
May God give you the comfort, peace, and understanding as you cherish and remember your Whitney. GOD BLESS
My deepest condolences to the Mcclendon family. Belinda, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of your daughter, peace and blessings are with you as she is now with God. My prayers are with you thru this difficult time .RIP Whitney
Our deepest condolences to the McClendon family on the passing of your daughter. May God give you peace as you go through your time of mourning.
Whitney was a such a beautiful and talented young lady. Her “angelic” voice will be missed at the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Midlothian, VA. We will continue to pray for her daughter, Kennedy and the entire McClendon family.
Belinda and Niki,
(((BIG HUGS!!!)))
My sincere thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you as you celebrate Whitney’s life and legacy. ??
Kimi Griffith Lewis