Mae McLendon, a longtime public figure in Chapel Hill and Carrboro government and volunteer organizations, died this week at the age of 76.
McLendon first moved to Chapel Hill in 1964, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a masters in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill. Since then, has been a key figure in the community. She spent a quarter-century working for the North Carolina Department of Corrections where she aimed to improve conditions for inmates. She was on Chapel Hill’s planning board for 12 years, as well as the Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board. She also served as vice president of the Democratic Women or Orange County, as well as holding other positions within the county’s Democratic organization. And that was just her work in government and politics.
Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee confirmed the news of McLendon’s passing at the town’s Mar. 17 council meeting.
“I just can’t tell you how shocked I was when I got the call this morning,” Foushee told the council. “But I do want us to take comfort in a life well lived. So celebrate Miss McLendon’s journey, her character, and community impact with gratitude. And the best way we can do that is to honor her legacy.”
Mae McLendon with former 97.9 The Hill/WCHL host Ron Stutts.
Outside of McLendon’s professional life and activity in local government, she used her free time to contribute to various organizations and volunteer groups, including the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services, the local chapter of the NAACP, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, the Lions Club Precinct, the Northside Conservation Task Force, the Marian Cheek Jackson Center, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and many more.
For her work in bettering the community, she received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her life. In 2016 she earned the Irene Briggaman Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with IFC. Earlier this month she received the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber’s Annual Meeting, which her daughter Anissa “Niecy” McLendon accepted on her behalf.
Mae was the daughter of the late Amos and Martha McLendon. She had two sisters: the late Hattie Miles and Helen Galbreath. She is survived by her daughter Anissa.
The Homegoing Celebration forMcLendon will be Tuesday Mar. 24, at noon, with a visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. It will be held at United Church of Chapel Hill, located at 1321 M.L.K. Blvd.
Images via Mae McLendon and St. Paul AME Church on Facebook
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