Betty Nell Dover McLendon

BETTY NELL DOVER MCLENDON of Little Rock, Arkansas, died peacefully on February 22, 2018. She was born in the family home in Cove, Arkansas, on October 3, 1923, to Douglas O. and Opal Copes Dover. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 50 years, William W. (Bill) McLendon, in 1998, and her brother, Darrell D. Dover, in 2009. She graduated from Cove High School as valedictorian. After graduating from Whitworth College in Mississippi with a degree in journalism, she worked at the Texarkana Gazette as night desk editor during World War II. She married Bill McLendon in June of 1947, and they lived in Fayetteville until his graduation from the University of Arkansas. They were active members of Asbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock and later of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. Mrs. McLendon was a long-time member of the Aldersgate Class and of United Methodist Women and Pacesetters and served in her church in many capacities. She was an active participant in J.O.Y. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith and enjoyed their monthly get-togethers. She worked as a volunteer at Miss Laura's Visitors' Center of Fort Smith for many years and as such was a knowledgeable and gracious hostess to many visitors to the City. She was a consummate seamstress, enjoyed gardening, her church life and church family, and was known for her faith and service to the church. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, especially her family. She returned to Little Rock in her later years to be near her daughters. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: daughter Deborah (Russell) Mathis of North Little Rock; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Stan (Clare) Mathis, Eliza and Henry; Emily Mathis, Catherine Mathis; great-granddaughter, Ryann; daughter Cathy (Bill) Spivey of Little Rock, and their children, Ellen (Gray) Newhouse, great-grandson Robert Hayes; and John William Spivey IV; nieces, nephews and friends. The family is grateful for the care and companionship Betty experienced at Good Shepherd and Stonehaven in Maumelle. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark., 72212. A celebration of Mrs. McLendon's life will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Asbury United Methodist Church. Please visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the online tribute.