Cornelia "Wanda" McLendon

Cornelia “Wanda” McLendon, 95, of Gray, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Autumn Lane Health and Rehabilitation. Her funeral will be held at Hart’s Mortuary, Jones County Chapel, on Friday, June 5, 2026, with a period for visitation beginning at 1:00 pm and formal services at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Gordon Family Cemetery, located on Jackson Store Road which is accessible via Highway 18 West. Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Daybreak Resource Center.

Born February 26, 1931, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Pendergrass, Wanda was one of four children who were moved from Ellijay to Macon to be raised. She graduated from Miller High School in 1952 and soon married the love of her life, William. She supported him through a military career, travelling cross-country several times in a station wagon loaded down with supplies. Despite her small stature, she was a well-known spitfire who took great pride in her family and their success. The threat of calling Grandma could (and has!) set any grandchild straight. A dedicated homemaker, she instilled a love of thrift and a keen sense of frugality in each generation. She also ensured that nobody ever went without. She was the perfect wife, mother, and grandma.

Wanda had a heart of gold and cared deeply for each person she met. In her free time, she volunteered with the American Red Cross, advocated for voter registration in East Macon, and helped with various projects to support the unhoused population in Macon. She attended St. Francis Episcopal Church. Wanda loved her garden and flowers, boasting the biggest and best blueberry bushes. She was cherished by all who had the honor of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, William Leon McLendon, as well as their daughter, Candis DeVane; and granddaughter, Haley Adams. She is survived by her sons, Dr. William “Billy” McLendon (Karla) of Powder Springs and Brian McLendon of Gray; a daughter, Cindy Adams (Ben) of Macon; and grandchildren, Kyle McLendon (Megan); Katelyn McLendon; Cameron McLendon; Bryan Blount; Joseph Adams; Brandon Adams (Courtney); Brittany Adams (Baron); Tiffany Allen (Michael); Lee McLendon (Erynn); Mathew Devane; and Meagan Devane Floyd (Earl); great-grandchildren, Makinlee Adams, Bryson Adams, Harper Adams, Hayden Adams; Turner Kimler; Noah Woods; Elijah Woods; Dawson Woods; Hudson and Creed Allen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.