Vonzille Wood McClendon

Elizabeth Vonzille Wood McClendon, age 95, was called to her heavenly home in the early hours of April 1, 2023. Vonzille was the 3rd of nine children and the first daughter of William Hughel and Eliza Anne Tolley Wood. She was born May 17, 1927 in Wildersville, TN. She received her education at Lexington City School and Lexington High School. Education was very important to her and was instrumental in helping her daughters and all 4 grandchildren graduate college and beyond. As a young woman, Vonzille was a bookkeeper at Holcomb Porter Co. here in Lexington and became a teller at Central State Bank. For about 16 years she lived away from Lexington and was a homemaker until her return in 1965. At that time, she once again worked as a teller for Central State Bank. After working at the bank for a few years she became one of the first women hire in the State of Tennessee as a State Bank Examiner. She remained with the state banking system until her retirement and later worked for First Bank in loan review. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and most of all being with her family. Vonzille became the oldest member of First Baptist Church where she was a member of the Sunday School, WMU, and has served on the Finance Committee along with other things in the church. Vonzille was the widow of James McClendon and the mother Beth Burke (Tom), Stephen Finch (deceased), and Annette Tyler (Randy). Her grandchildren are Dr. Chris Burke (Lauren), Rachel Walker (Rob), Mandi Dodson (Brian), and Blake Tyler (Taylor). Her great grandchildren include Hannah Walker, Sydney Burke, Abbie Walker, Ashlyn Burke, Mary Kate Walker, Olivia Tyler, Knox and Noah Dodson, and Jane Tyler. She has one living sister, Ridonna Renfroe (Wayne) and three brothers, Barry Wood (Gail), Dan Wood (Janis), and David Wood. Vonzille was preceded in death by her parents, Hughel Wood and Eliza Tolley Wood along with her brothers, Joe Tolley Wood, Bradley Wood, Roy Wood, and her sister, Dorothy Wood Jones. She also leaved many nieces and nephews and great nieces that were so special to her heart. Reed’s Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for the visitation and funeral. Visitation will be held at Reed’s Chapel on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 4PM until 8PM and will resume at First Baptist Church on Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 11AM until time of the funeral service at 1PM. Her burial will be in the Lexington Cemetery.

Vonzille Wood McClendon

May 17, 1927 - April 1, 2023