Doris Mae McClendone

On March 22, 1945, Doris Mae Hamilton was born to Elizabeth and LueTurner Hamilton, Doris had ten siblings. Doris received her formal education in Chicago Public School System graduating from Wendell Phillips High School. She furthered her education by attending Chicago City Colleges, where she received an Associates Degree and immediately went to work as a child advocate at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Doris was blessed to meet Steven McClendone. They married March 5, 1970. She was his "Honey Bae" and he was her "Love". Doris was the capable wife mentioned at Proverbs chapter 31. Her wifely submission was displayed in her favorite phrase "Go ask dad." Her love of God caused Doris to have many Bible questions. She would ask her pastor to answer her questions and she would pray that someone would explain the Bible to her. The very next day Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at her door. She studied the Bible for a year and asked the question "what prevents me from being baptized"? On October 28, 1978, after dedicating her life to Jehovah she symbolized her dedication through water baptism. Making disciples for Doris started at home. She won over her husband by her conduct, which caused him to get baptized a mere year after her. Family Bible study was incorporated into each weeks activities. She always set spiritual goals for her girls, field service with regular pioneering as a career was encouraged. Doris led by example serving as a regular pioneer for over 20 years. She had the privilege of assisting over 30 persons to become baptized. Sister McClendone was best known for her zeal and love of people. Hebrews 10:24-25, encouraging the friends, meetings attendance at the Kingdom Hall, and making sure those with whom she studied the Bible with had transportation to the Kingdom Hall was a priority. "The Van" brought much joy to many and was one of many ways Doris showed her love for Jehovah and her congregation. If you had the privilege of knowing Doris, you knew she loved children. For 25 years she worked at the Department of Children and Family Services, (DCFS) this allowed her to foster over 30 children. In 1989 Doris and Steven began expanding their family by adopting. They invited 6 girls into their loving home. She was known as the lady with the girls in all the matching lace and frilly dresses. Two years ago Doris finally got a son when her daughter Lisa married Johnny. A family tradition of luxury camping was born out of necessity. Camping meant long summer vacations that included Bible studies and close family friends. The family was able to visit all the continental United States in the camper; their summer home. The yearly trip to the Illinois State Fair was looked forward to by the entire family. Doris and Steven's home was the gathering spot. Fish fry's and cooking for others made theirs a happy home filled with joy and laughter. Family was so important to Doris, and spending time with her sisters and going on their yearly vacation was always a treat. On August 17, 2015, Doris Mae McClendone fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her parents, LueTurner Hamilton and Elizabeth Hamilton; her loving husband of 31 years, Steven McClendone; and sisters, Bernice Hamilton, Elizabeth Hamilton, Luebirdia Campbell and Martha Hamilton. Doris leaves to cherish her memory, her girls, Kattie, Lisa (Johnny), Alexandria, Latrice, Jasmine, Brittney, April and Darletha; siblings, Delores Garrett, Margaret (Clint) Chenier, Ivory Jackson, Lamart (Twyla) Hamilton, Annette Hamilton and Joanne Hamilton; and a host of relatives and friends too many to mention.

Tributes

Doris Mae McClendone

March 22, 1945 - August 17, 2015