Obituary of Laura Lynn McLendon

Laura Lynn McLendon, 67, died December 5, 2024, at her home. Born in Columbia, SC, she was a daughter of the late Charles Davis McLendon and Laura Ellen McCravy McLendon. Surviving are two brothers, Charles “Davis” McLendon, Jr. and John “Jack” Richard McLendon; a sister, Amy McLendon Hall; nieces and nephews, Gaffney Brown (Todd), Lucion Scott (Horace Lee), John McLendon and Julian McLendon; three great-nephews and two great-nieces. Lynn completed her undergraduate at Columbia College and Limestone University and received a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She took her education and applied her knowledge and skills with work in child welfare and children’s services. Lynn devoted her entire professional life to the service of children and families. She tenaciously advocated for the rights and well-being of children and families, working tirelessly to ensure that every child had a voice and the opportunity to thrive. This work spanned decades, starting with front line work and ending in an administrative oversight role, and marking her as one of the most well-known and respected leaders in children’s services and child welfare. Lynn began her professional career as a caseworker at Lexington County Department of Social Services, where she gained the reputation of being a fierce advocate for the vulnerable children under her care. Lynn continued direct care work as a case manager for the state agency, Continuum of Care for Emotionally Disturbed children, which eventually became part of the Governor’s Office. Lynn inspired not only those she worked with, but also those she served. One of her foster care clients chose Lynn as her role model and as an adult followed in the steps of her mentor to the profession of social work and lived her conviction by becoming a foster parent, passing the values learned from Lynn of making a difference in the life of a child. Lynn’s passion and resolve in her service to children at both the Department of Social Services as well as with the Continuum of Care was well known to those she worked with and to leaders in the Governor’s Office. She was tapped by the Governor to become the Director of the Children’s Case Resolution System. In this role, Lynn was a force to be reckoned with, never hesitating to speak the truth in a strong, forthright manner with a compassionate heart and full commitment to doing right for children and struggling families. In 1998, Lynn was assigned by the Governor’s Office as a special assistant to the newly appointed State Director of the Department of Social Services, where she advised policy and practices. Lynn’s last position at the Department of Social Services, before retirement, was serving as the Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Appeals, where she had an extraordinary impact on ensuring the rights of service recipients were honored and upheld. In retirement Lynn still stayed involved with advocacy for special populations and was actively serving as a member of the governing Board of Directors for the non-profit United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina, a non-profit agency service persons with disabilities throughout South Carolina. Lynn’s legacy to both individual children and the children’s services system is one of profound impact and inspiration. Her contributions left an indelible mark on all those she worked for and on those that were privileged to work under her leadership. No services will be held. Memorials may be sent to United Cerebral Palsy, 1101 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169 or to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.