Renita Parent, 58, of Alexandria passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Renita is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Thomas and Birdie McLendon; maternal grandparents, Ernest Sr. and Nancy Rodrigues; granddaughter, Sophia Kay Parent; and sister-in-law, Becky Byles McLendon.
Renita was born in Many on July 12, 1961 to Odis and Patsy McLendon. She graduated from Many High School in 1979. Soon afterwards, she moved to Alexandria where she raised her three girls. She was loving and cared for all. She worked as a dental assistant for seventeen years and then worked for home health services where she cared for the elderly. Acts 20: 35 states: In all things I have shown that you by working in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This was how Renita lived her life; for she was one who always helped others. She loved being a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend to many. When she wasn’t tending to the sick, she enjoyed working in the yard and working crossword puzzles. She was a humble person who enjoyed a simple life. Her loved ones will remember her as the one who always strived for orderliness and perfectionism; for at family gatherings she was always cleaning up after everybody.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Tabitha Dubois and husband Steven; Sabrina Parent and fiancé Max McElwee; Kelsea Hayes and husband CJ; grandchildren, Zain Parent, Alyssa Simmons, Zanna Simmons, and Clayton Hayes; parents, Odis and Patsy McLendon; siblings, Odis “Skipper” McLendon and wife Diane; Keith McLendon; Patrick McLendon and wife Kelli; Amy Ebarb and husband Wayne. Renita is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and her boyfriend of 23 years, Frank “Randy” Smith. A memorial service will be held at a later date.