Shirley Beth McClendon

Shirley Beth McClendon, 85, of Kingston, Oklahoma passed away on March 28, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma. She was born on January 13, 1941, in Wilson, Oklahoma to Henry Whitten Keeling and Mrytle (Isham) Keeling. Shirley attended and graduated from Wilson High School. She married the love of her life, Bobby Ronald McClendon, on August 22, 1959, in Wilson, Oklahoma. She was an accomplished Certified Ophthalmic Medical Assistant and the doctors she worked with had a high regard for her talents. She was associated with the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness and helped write several articles for publication. Shirley and Bobby attended church at the First Methodist Church in Ardmore, OK. Shirley had a contagious smile and a gift for making others feel special. Her warmth and compassion were felt by everyone in her presence. She adored her husband and lived a very full life being by his side in all their travels and adventures. She never had children of her own but considered all her nieces and nephews her children. She took pleasure in caring for her sweet dogs through the years and loved spoiling them. She had many dear friends and loved spending time with them. She was especially close to Bob and Kenetta Daws and enjoyed being with Kenetta’s mom, Pat Akers. They had a very special friendship. We are deeply saddened by Aunt Shirley’s passing but will always carry her in our hearts! Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Bobby McClendon; parents; Henry and Mrytle Keeling, sisters; Bernice Gilbert, Jean Palmer, and Millie Stallcup, niece; Mary Prentice, and nephews; Mike Palmer and Mac Stallcup Jr. She is survived by her niece; Lee McGinty and spouse Art McGinty (deceased) of Granbury, Texas, niece; Elaine Johnsen and spouse George Johnsen of Humble, Texas, niece; Sue Green and spouse Larry Green (deceased) of Miramar Beach, Florida, niece; Evelyn Cope and spouse Gary Cope (deceased) of Colleyville, Texas, nephew; Mark Palmer and spouse Debbie Palmer of Celina, Texas, nephew; George Palmer and spouse Martha Palmer of St. Petersburg, Florida, and niece; Debbie Robertson and spouse Charles Robertson of Little Rock, Arkansas. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date and announced by the family. Make me an Angel Oh, please God make me an Angel I’ve done my best to find my way So, please God make me an Angel I want to help others every day Oh, please God make me an Angel I’ve always wanted to be by your side So, please God make me an Angel It’s in your grace I want to abide Oh, please God make me an Angel In your love I want to be So, please God make me an Angel I want to help people to love you like me. Words by Shirley McClendon

Shirley Beth McClendon

January 13, 1941 - March 28, 2026