Virginia Clendening

Virginia Lee Clendening, of Norman, passed away January 3, 2021 at the age of 82.  Virginia was raised in Oklahoma City by her parents Lee and Josephine Croom.  She and her younger brother Bill enjoyed childhood during the glory days of South - Oklahoma City neighborhood of Capitol Hill.

Virginia would play piano, dance tap and ballet.  She would master ballroom dance and was part of performing groups.  Virginia would be beautifully TURNED-OUT in her 1950’s flare skirt dress with impeccable hair and accessories.  All this while learning to be reverent, disciplined and socially engaged.

Virginia was a one of a kind unique lady.

Virginia would attend Sacred Heart Catholic School childhood to Jr. High and then would graduate from her beloved Capitol Hill High School class of 1956.  Virginia was raised to enjoy the arts and would later earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OU.

Virginia married Carl Curtis Clendening in 1959 at the Wesley Chapel on the OU Campus.  They would be together for 45 years.  Before Curtis passed, they enjoyed life traveling and working together as a team to carve out a life of service and adventure.  Later, in TURNED-OUT fashion, they would dance the night away with their ballroom dance club.

Virginia had three sons Craig, John and Bill and one grandchild David.  Her work to raise her boys, go to PTA and advocate education at NPS was something she tackled like everything else, fully with passion and integrity.

Virginia loved her friends.  Her Bridge Club ladies were at the top of the list.  Incredible friendships.  Incredible friends playing the same club together since 1959.  Notable ladies past and present include: Marlene Fowler, Naomi Fuson, Martha Mitchell, Carol McConnell, Barbara Foreman and close friend and neighbor Ethel Clouston.  Every other Thursday at each other’s homes, since 1959. 

Virginia and Curtis were members of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.  Together they would host regular bible study groups at their house and rotate with other members.  Virginia was also a member and leader of the Norman Christian Women’s Club with more bible study together.

The list of volunteered, served, and elected accomplishments can go on and on.  All formed from an intense desire to be socially and politically relevant.  This list includes: Norman Christian Women’s Club, Norman Garden Club (treasurer), Assistance League of Norman, League of Women Voters, Elected President of the C.C. Republican Women’s Club, Served on the Board of Directors for the State Federation of Republican Women, Elected Vice-Chair of the C.C. Republican party, Elected Vice-Chair for the Fourth Congressional District, and served on the Republican Party State Committee.

All this while being a mom and a decades long Poll-worker at the Monroe Elementary School.

Yes, Virginia was a very unique and busy lady.

Virginia was by design and self-motivation, a leader.  She mastered life, which included juggling family, friends, politics and community.  When she slowed down a moment, she enjoyed being a master gardener and master cook.  Every holiday was a chance to show her creative skill with décor and delicious food.  At holiday, the Christmas tree would sit atop the piano surrounded by cards.  Cards from people well-known and unknown.  Cards from friends and family sit alongside cards from State and U.S. Senators, the Governor’s Mansion, and the White House.  The dining table would be graced with her recipes and seasonal foliage.  All beautifully TURNED-OUT, every year just like Virginia.

Throughout her life, Virginia would remain herself.  Always spiritually interested.  Always artfully expressive.  Always politically engaged.  Always Virginia.

We the Family.

We the Friends.

We the People.

Honor and Thank you Virginia.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents Lee and Josephine, her son Craig and her brother Bill.  She is survived by her son John, son Bill, and grandchild David.  Also by her nieces Lorraine and Amber, and her nephew Bryan.