Cora Marriah Collins McClendon

Cora Marriah Collins McClendon

Birth Date: June 3, 1947; Jonesville, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana

Spouse: James Lincoln McClendon (1944-2003)

Children: Aisha Jamila McClendon (1975-)

Current Residence: Garland, Texas

Death Date: n/a

Cora Marriah Collins McClendon is the third child born to Anthony and Beulah Collins and their only living child. Cora currently resides in Garland, Tx near her only child, Aisha McClendon. Cora and Aisha are caring for our eldest living relative, Essie Thomas Martin.

Cora was born June 3, 1947 in Jonesville, La. Cora graduated from Jonesville Consolidated High School. Her parents were teachers at Jonesville Consolidated. Her father taught Agricultural (boys only) and her mother taught fifth grade. Her mother taught in Catahoula Parish and began teaching at 17 years old when she was assigned to a church. When a bachelors degree was required she obtained her degree from Grambling College.

Cora attended Grambling and transferred to Delta School of Commerce (Alexandria, La) where she graduated with a Business Degree.

Cora met her future husband while she was a sophomore in high school. James attended high school in Ferriday where he was a star football player. Cora often drove to Ferriday football games to see James play. The two began courting when she was a Senior in high school. At that time James was in the Air Force and they exchanged letters. James proposed during a Christmas visit home. (James and Jerone served together in Cameron Bay in Vietnam).

James and Cora were married June 15, 1968 in Jonesville, LA. James was still in the Air Force and discharged four months following their marriage. The couple honeymooned in Dallas and during that time Cora secured a job in Dallas and the couple quickly relocated.

In 1973, Cora and James relocated from Dallas to St. Louis. On December 23, 1975, they gave birth to their only child, Aisha Jamila McClendon. They were doting and caring parents.

Cora enjoys travel, shopping and has always beautifully herself and her nails. Her favorite travels have been Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, and Disneyworld. As a couple they loved road trips.

James succumbed to failed kidneys due to Agent Orange on April 7, 2003. This was a significant loss to all that loved and cared for this family as James had a heart of gold and was as giving and kind as Anthony Collins.

Prior to his passing James and Cora purchased a beautiful home in Garland, Tx where she continues to reside. This was the third home that the family had built.