Wanda Yvonne (Lilly) McLendon

Wanda Yvonne Lilly McLendon was born to the parentage of Theodore Sr. and Thelma Ruth Clark Lilly, October 15, 1957, in Stanly County, North Carolina. Wanda possessed an outspoken and no non-sense demeanor. She enjoyed people, keeping things full of gaiety and laughter. We give thanks for Wanda’s life, and the years we shared, a life well-lived and loved.

She received her early education in the Stanly County Public Schools and attended West Stanly High School, Red Cross, North Carolina. During her early years she enjoyed playing softball at South Albemarle Park where she was known as, “Desire”. Wanda was an excellent hair stylist, but her chosen profession was a seamstress. She made beautiful clothes for herself, family and friends.

Wanda was a former member of St. Matthews United Church of God, Oakboro, North Carolina where her family were life-long members. In her leisure time, she enjoyed sewing, fixing hair, and crocheting bags and blankets. She was also a fantastic cook and enjoyed cooking big dinners for her family. One of her favorite enjoyments was having the family over to her home to fellowship.

On the evening of August 13, 2025, Wanda transitioned to eternal rest in Laurel, Maryland. She has joined her son, Omar McLendon; parents, Theodore and Thelma Ruth Lilly; granddaughter, Aaliyah McLendon; siblings: Johnsie Lilly, Steve McCormick, Aaron Richardson, Theodore Lilly Jr., and Tim Scott where the woes of the world are no longer, and all things are bright and beautiful.

Precious memories will be cherished by her son Kino (Trena) Lilly Sr.; one daughter: Takeshia (James) Bryant; seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Shelby Ashcraft, Vivian Little, Lanetta Pritchard, Dorsey “TT” Lilly, and Rick Scott; a special cousin who was like a brother, Kenny Lilly; special friends: LaToyia Smith, Don Chance, Sissy Griffin, and Vickie Lilly; God-daughter, Octoria Ridenhour as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

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