Bettye McClendon Obituary

In Loving Memory of Bettye Gene Johnson-McClendon December 22,1951 - June 5, 2025
With profound love and deep sorrow, we celebrate the life and legacy of Bettye Gene Johnson-McClendon, a devoted mother, sister, friend, and pillar of her community.
Bettye was born on December 22, 1951, in Riverside, Arkansas, to Ashley Johnson and Tennessee Graham-Johnson. She was nurtured by a village of love and resilience that shaped the strong, compassionate woman she would become.
Bettye's early years were spent in Riverside, where she attended Brown & Williams School before transitioning to the McCrory School District following integration. A
determined and hardworking young woman, she eventually made her way to Little Rock, AR, where she met, Lawrence Charles McClendon, Sr. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising two beloved children, Lawrence Charles McClendon, Jr. and Latisha McClendon. She eventually met the love of her life, Henry Lee Meadough.
Bettye was a woman of remarkable work ethic and unwavering dedication. At American Greetings Company, she rose from General Laborer to Assistant to the Chief Financial
Officer-an achievement reflecting her perseverance and brilliance. She faithfully served there for over two decades. During this time, she also pursued her education, earning an
Associate Diploma at East Arkansas Community College (EACC), proving it is never too late to grow.
Her journey eventually led her to Conway, Arkansas where she joined the staff at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). There, Bettye took young people under her wing-especially those from her hometown of McCrory-guiding them through the complexities of college life, financial aid, and academic transitions. Her impact on these students' lives was immeasurable and deeply personal.
Bettye's love for softball was a passion that spanned her entire life. From her early playing days in Augusta and Searcy to coaching teams across Arkansas, she built
unbreakable sisterhoods on and off the field. She was not just a coach-she was a
mentor, a motivator, and a second mother to many young athletes. Her leadership reached from McCrory to El Dorado, Pine Bluff, and Fort Smith where her influence remains in the hearts of all who played for her.
Beyond the field, Bettye was deeply committed to service. As Worthy Matron of Victoria Chapter 16 of the Order of Eastern Star, she worked tirelessly to uplift her community-organizing food drives, back-to-school giveaways, and recovery efforts after natural disasters. Her heart beat for justice and progress, and in a bold move of civic dedication, she even ran for Alderman to be a voice for her neighbors.
On the evening of June 5, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., Bettye Gene answered the call of her Heavenly Father. She transitioned peacefully, surrounded by love, into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins-who now welcome her home.
Bettye leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her children, Lawrence Jr. and
Latisha, and in a host of grieving yet grateful family and friends: her devoted sisters and
brothers, her cherished nieces and nephews, cousins who adored her, and countless friends who will forever feel the warmth of her light.
Her presence was a gift. Her love was fierce. Her spirit was unbreakable.
We honor you, Bettye Gene Johnson-McClendon. May your legacy continue to shine in all those you touched
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Augusta. www.powellfuneralhome.net.