Frances Mclendon Obituary

Frances Louise Carter McLendon (Mama Frances) passed into the presence of Jesus on May 6, 2023 in Travelers Rest, SC. Born March 31, 1924, she was 99 years old. Growing up during the Great Depression, her life was one of hard work and learning to "make do" with what the family had. This necessity would shape her life and set the example for her own family. Mama Frances, as she was affectionately known, was always faithful and true to her family. Hers was a life of sacrifice and honor. She never gave up. Mama Frances knew the Lord. She can rest now. She was next to the oldest of thirteen children born to Greene Nathaniel Carter of Greeneville, TN and Ollie Glovina Davis Carter of Old Fort, NC. Considered to be old enough to work after the Great Depression, Frances quit school to start working at Jewel Cotton Mill in Thomasville, NC when she was 12 years old and during a time when there were no labor laws. She married the late Vernon D. McLendon (Sr) of Mt. Gilead, NC in October, 1941. Vernon Jr. was born one year later. Vernon (Sr) worked as a carpenter until being drafted into the US Army Air Corps in 1943 as a B-24 tail gunner. During and after WWII , she worked in a hosiery mill in Mt. Gilead where she became a skilled seamstress. It was during this time that sewing became her passion. Throughout her life, her sewing machines were her most prized possessions. Even during her declining health, she would often talk of and plan for what she had to sew next. After WWII, son Larry was born. With Vernon being employed by Carolina Power and Light Co. , the couple moved to Princeton, NC, then later to Skyland, NC. She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon Sr. and eleven brothers and sisters: Ruth, Iona, Glenn, Sylvia, Meacy, Betty Lou, Austin, James, Junior, Samuel, Hazel and daughter-in-law Norma Jean McLendon. She is survived by son Vernon D. McLendon, Jr. , of Smithfield, NC, son Larry E. McLendon of Taylors, SC (Sandra), grandchildren: Eddie Mclendon (Heather), Jeannine Quiller (Brock), Scott Mclendon (Heather), Shelley Johnson (Gary), Adam McLendon (Joni); eight great grandchildren; three great great granddaughters; and one sister, Shirley Culbertson (Albert). A graveside service will be held at 12 pm, Saturday, May 13th at Shepherd Memorial Park in Naples, NC. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.