Katherine McClendon

Katherine McClendon was born on February 28, 1942, to the late Walter and Sam Ella Barnes in Winchester, Arkansas. She was the eighth of twelve children and was preceded in death by six of her siblings: Wille James Barnes, Joseph Barnes, Johnnie Bass, Connie Barnes, Walter Barnes, and Robert Johnson.

Katherine's family relocated to Gould, Arkansas, where she completed her education at Gould High School. It was there that she met and married Jerry Johnson, with whom she shared three children: LaVonda, Darlene, and Gregory.

Later in life, Katherine moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked as a production line worker at Bussmann Fuse. There, she also became an active member of New Northside Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the Usher Board.

Katherine was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and sister. Above all, she cherished her family and friends. She leaves to honor her children: LaVonda Ware (Berron) of Sherwood, Arkansas; Darlene Chavious of Fort Worth, Texas; and Gregory Johnson (Talayia) of Benton, Arkansas. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Margret "JoAnn" Burns, and six beloved grandchildren: Jerry Johnson, Billy Smith, Ebony Smith, Jazmine Johnson, Austyn Johnson, and Kobe Johnson, along with a host of great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

In addition, Katherine is survived by her siblings: Johnny Barnes (Vernell), Ella Stevenson, Gloria Webster, Leroy Barnes (Deolia), Fred Barnes (Nancy), and Kim Fuller-Barnes (Sister-in-Law).

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Katherine's resilience and strength were unmatched. After a courageous battle, she peacefully passed away after battling stage 4 lung cancer.

Katherine's legacy will live on through her family, whose love and memories of her will endure forever.

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