Lawana Joyce McClendon

Our beloved mother, Lawana Joyce McClendon, passed away September 27, 2023, just one day past her 79th birthday. She had struggled for several years against several serious health issues. We are thankful that she's passed beyond the misery she suffered in this world and is joining her loved ones in Heaven. Lawana was born in Silver City, NM, to Spurlin and Florence Martin and lived in Hurley, NM, until she was about 8, when her family moved to Socorro, NM. Her father opened a mechanic shop in Socorro and her mother was a homemaker. Lawana met our father, Gene Hite, when she was 13 and he was 17, and she told us she knew he was the one right away. They married shortly after her 16th birthday and lived on several ranches around the area. In 1965, they moved to the Triangle C in Catron County, NM, where they lived for 30 years and raised all 4 of their children. After Gene passed in 2004, Lawana moved to Albuquerque, NM. She met John McClendon there, whom she married and had almost 15 years with before he passed in 2021. Lawana is survived by 2 sisters (Joan Moore and Rhonda Hardy); 4 children (Dana Shahraki of Missouri City TX, Tara McKinley of Quemado NM, Brenda Hite of South Dakota, and Brandon Hite of Albuquerque NM); 2 stepdaughters (Laura Henderson and Gayle, both of Albuquerque, NM); numerous nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Lawana loved sewing, reading, and gardening. She also loved spending time with friends, spoiling her dogs, and baking bread to take to church for fellowship. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced. Rest in peace, Mom. You earned it. If you feel moved to do so, please make a donation in Lawana's memory to a food bank or homeless shelter of your choice.