Jeanne Carol Knost McClendon

Jeanne Carol Knost McClendon was born in Tucson, Arizona on July 13, 1928 and died at home in Pass Christian, Mississippi on September 30, 2012. She lived and traveled all over the world but her heart and home were in The Pass. Her parents, John Henry and Imogene Knost, returned to live at the family home in Pass Christian when Carol was 8 years old. Growing up in The Knost House with her parents, sisters, five aunts, two uncles, two cousins, and a grandmother, gave Carol a sense of family and history that she chronicled throughout her life. As a family historian she gathered and compiled a treasure trove of information and loved nothing more than to sit on the front porch and speak of family and friends. She had a curious mind and conversational way about her that led to discussions and lively debates. Carol loved to talk and absorb, whether you were a prince or a pauper she did not care, but to converse was devine. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1946, the same year having been crowned along with her future brother in law, Harry Wittmann, Queen and King of the Carnival Ball. She took the train to Ole Miss and returned in 1950 with a degree in Physical Education. She taught school in Pass Christian, Laurel, and Pensacola. Her adventuresome side took hold and she decided to teach overseas, envisioning Europe but ending up in Japan working as Entertainment Director for the Airforce Service Clubs. Carol's life changed paths when she was introduced to Lt. Robert N. McClendon. They were married 53 years and raised four children while making homes for her family in at least a dozen different states and countries, ranging from the coast of Missisippi to the mountains of Wyoming to the green and fog of England. She explored the world and played cards and loved the Queen and reveled in her grandchildrens accomplishments. She is loved and will be missed and spoke of often by her surviving sisters, Lolette Wittman and Jean Bittenbender, cousins Sister Rosalie Ambler and Phillip St. George Ambler III. Her husband, Lt. Col. Robert N McClendon (Ret.) and her brother, Jack Knost, preceded her in death. Her children, John McClendon, Kathleen (Max) Breazeal, Melissa (Jeffrey) Boji, Robin (Wayne) Broyles and grandchildren, Jeanne, Stewart, Elizabeth, Robert, Harrison, Emily, and Peyton and a myriad of nieces, nephews and friends will gather to mourn her passing and celebrate her life on Friday, October 5, from 6-8pm at her final home in the Pass. Funeral Mass will be 12pm Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church with burial to follow at Live Oak Cemetery. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com