Colette Marie McLendon

Mrs. Colette Marie McLendon, age 85, of Nashville, Georgia, and formerly of Leesburg, Georgia, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Nashville, Georgia.

Mrs. McLendon was born on February 17, 1940, in Merignac, France. She later made her home in the United States, where she built a life devoted to her family, education, and service to others.

She is survived by her husband, John Norman McLendon; three sons, Bob McLendon of New Albany, Indiana, Bill McLendon of Greenville, South Carolina and Ed McLendon of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; her brother, Michel Rougier of Reims, France; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. McLendon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, where she attended Joy Breeden’s Sunday school class. Her greatest passion was education. She discovered her true calling as an educator at Lee County High School, where she taught French for thirteen years. She loved her students deeply, and they loved her in return for her kindness, humor, and dedication. Her commitment to excellence in teaching was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year, an honor reflecting both her skill in the classroom and her devotion to her students.

During her teaching career, Mrs. McLendon led several groups of students on summer trips to France—experiences that proved to be life-changing for many of them. Through these journeys, she shared not only her homeland but also her belief in the transformative power of travel and culture.

Throughout her years in Leesburg, Mrs. McLendon formed countless friendships through her church and school communities. She was admired for her warmth, wit, and genuine care for others—qualities that made her a treasured friend, mentor, and colleague.

A native of France, Mrs. McLendon maintained deep ties to her homeland and lifelong friendships across the Atlantic. Even after more than six decades in the United States, she retained her French spirit and grace, blending them beautifully with the warmth and hospitality of the South.

Mrs. McLendon will be remembered for her intellect, compassion, and steadfast devotion to family and community. Her legacy endures in the many lives she touched through her teaching, her generosity, and her gentle strength.

A memorial service will be held at Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home in Leesburg, Georgia at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with Rev. Bill Harris officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service.

Condolences and memories may be shared on the website of Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home at www.josephwjones.com.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home of Leesburg has been given the honor to serve the McLendon family.