Luerine Gates Mcclendon was born on January 4, 1927 to Elizabeth (Lizzie) Austin Gates and Louis Gates in Roanoke, Alabama. On November 21, 2023 Luerine was called upon by the Lord for eternal rest, in Cincinnati Ohio.

In her early years, she navigated life in the segregated south but always had a hopeful outlook on life. She worked in the service industry, attended school and received Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her life was marked by her relationship with God.

Looking for a better opportunity at life she decided to make the move to Cincinnati, Ohio as a young adult. She found her home and community in the historic African American community of Lincoln Heights, Ohio. In fact, she would live there for the remainder of her life. She fell in love with William Henry Mcclendon Sr. and they were wed shortly after. They enjoyed over 30 years of martial bliss, and a house full of amazing children.

She became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Clayton Waller, Sr. Under his leadership, she served as a deaconess alongside of her husband. She loved her church and remained a member of Tabernacle when it went through the transition to the City of Promise under the leadership of Bishop Gary G. Hayles.

She loved to cook and manicure her lawn. She was known for her loving smile, warm embraces, and her genuine love for her family.

Luerine Gates Mcclendon was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Henry Mcclendon; sons, James Preston Smith, Larry Holland and Clint Barrow; daughters, Lizzie Smith, Minister Carnell Mathews, and Juanita Summerlin; sister, Maedell Gates, and brothers, Harrlee Austin and Willie Lewis Gates.

She leaves to cherish her memory: children, Thomas (Patricia) Smith, Willie Smith, Randolph (Janet) Smith, Patricia Gray, Gail (Jerry) Ranson, Dale (Hope) Holland, Yvette Holland, Derrick (Tara) Holland, Edward Mcclendon, Eloise (Leon-deceased) Campbell, William H. (Linda) Mcclendon Jr, Larry Mcclendon, Willie Louis Mcclendon, Renee (Donald) Jackson, Bruce Wright, Donald R. (Tonya) Mcclendon and Travis Mcclendon; a sister-in-law, Dollie Holdbrook; 42 grandchildren, 109 great grandchildren and 56 great great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, friends and church community.