of Crocketts Bluff, AR
November 21, 1947 - March 31, 2025
Donna Marie McClendon, age 77, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Conway, Arkansas. Born on November 21, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Donna lived a life deeply rooted in the natural beauty and traditions of her beloved home state.
Though born to Alma Jean Paul and Herman Herbert Haney, Donna was lovingly raised by her mother and father, Gertrude Johnston and Elmer Richard Johnston. From an early age, she developed a profound connection to the land around her-a bond that would shape her passions and bring her peace throughout her life.
Donna graced this world with an unforgettable blend of elegance, unwavering resilience, and a wit that could spark laughter in any room. Her spirit was deeply tied to the White River in Crockett's Bluff, Arkansas-a place where she found solace among whispering woods and flowing waters. For Donna, hunting and fishing were not just pastimes but a way of life. Whether casting a line into the river at dawn or tracking game through the crisp morning air, she embraced the outdoors with appreciation and joy. Her garden bloomed under her care as another testament to her love for nature's rhythms.
Her greatest joy resided in her family. To her three children-Richard McClendon, Billy Norris McClendon, and Celesta Kay McClendon, she was more than a mother; she was their guiding light. To her grandchildren-Whitney Witcher, Tiffany Riddell, Jared Golden, Chance Golden, Celina McClendon, Evan Tiner, Drake McKinney, and Lauren Richards and Great-grandchildren, Kasen and Holden Tiner. She was simply known as ''Meme,'' a name spoken with affection and reverence. Meme offered boundless love wrapped in playful adventures and timeless wisdom-often delivered with a twinkle in her eye and a perfectly timed remark that brought both laughter and insight. Blessed to know the warmth of her embrace and the sparkle of her stories. Whether teaching patience through fishing or sharing tales from the woods with a knowing smile, Donna's presence was always one of comfort and strength.
She shared many years of marriage with her late husband, Phillip McClendon. Together, they built a life filled with love for family, hard work and appreciation for the simple joys of rural Arkansas living.
Donna is also remembered by her siblings: brothers Herb (Vickie) Hartford and Brett Hartford; sister Heidi (Phillip) Paul; as well as numerous extended family members and friends who cherished her presence. She joins in rest her brother Bruce Hartford; grandsons Brandon White and Steven McClendon; along with her parents Alma Jean Paul and Herman Herbert Haney.
Adding immeasurable warmth to Donna's days were her three loyal canine companions-Roadie, Lissie, and Gertie-who remained faithfully by her side through her last seasons of life.
Donna Marie McClendon leaves behind a legacy woven from laughter shared beneath open skies, lessons passed down beside riverbanks, and love that will echo through generations. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and may the rivers she loved so dearly carry forth the spirit of a woman who lived fully and loved deeply.
There will be a family gathering at a later date to celebrate the life of Donna.
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6 Condolence(s)
Annette hurst
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Donna, was my sister in law. I loved Donna. I always felt welcome when I was in her home. She was a good daughter in law to my parents. Always made us feel welcome!
Heidi Paul
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Although it was later in life that I got the opportunity to know and be a part of my sister’s life, it felt like I had had always known her! We kindled our relationship and tried to make up for time lost. From late night talks on the phone to seeing each other when we could, we made a new chapter in life talking, cooking, vacationing when we could together fishing on the river and that’s were Phillip and I learned from Donna and Phil how to do and run limb lines (oh what fun) and a lost way of fishing for sure, always catching a big mess of catfish, from that to fishing on the round pond. She amazed me with her endless talents , she would launch her boat by herself and paddle herself around and us when we went ( that took a lot of muscle to maneuver a boat full of people around a big pond)! My bet would be on her to always get a deer or a mess of fish when it came to fishing and hunting, she could outdo most! She was a true live off the land kind of person from gardening to canning and oh her homemade dill pickles were to die for, I remember the first time I went to her house she pulled out the biggest jar of dill pickles I have ever seen and I tried one and from there ate 1/2 the jar and my fingers and toes were swollen from all the salt intake (lol), they were so crunchy and delicious ( we had a huge laugh over that), I asked her the secret ingredients and she informed me grape leaves make the crunch, oh what I would’ve give if I just paid more attention then to her details of her secret traditions! I treasure in my heart the conversations and times we spent together. She loved my kids as well always bragging on them. She had the best sense of humor as well, she reminded so much of our mother not only in looks but in knowledge and wisdom as well! She loved her children as well talked about them all the time. She had few health episodes that set her back later in life but she was so thankful for Richard, Whitney & Tiff that helped her make it through those difficult times. There are no words to express the feelings and the love we shared! She will be greatly missed and I loved her so. This is not goodbye but a time in space until we meet again!
Monica loyd
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Me and Jenn and the boys were sad we never got to meet meme but felt like we knew her spirit just from the story's Whitney and Tiffany told they were the best.She seemed kind and loving and definelty humorous and I know she will live on through the hearts of so many.Keep telling those story's keep her memory alive as I know you will.Love you guys our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.RIP meme
Susan Hicks Scott
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Donna was so sweet to me and the kids. I’ll never forget when Bruce took me to meet her and Phil. She was a loving woman.
Celesta Kay Mcclendon
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
She is my momma
Whitney Witcher
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
I love you
A bushel an a peck
and a hug around the neck
to infinity and beyond
I love you more than you will ever know meme!!!