Claudia Arender

Claudia Mae Arender was born on May 20, 1941 in Taylorsville, Mississippi and passed away peacefully in Polkville, Mississippi on April 24, 2021 at home with her loving family.  Claudia embodied grace, elegance, and southern charm throughout her life.  She lit up the room with her positive energy and contagious smile and never met a stranger.  To know her was to love her.

Claudia’s family and faith were always her highest priorities.  She was an active member of Crossgates United Methodist where she served faithfully on many committees, mission projects and trips as well as various community and civic organizations throughout the years.   It was her joy and gift to connect others and bring people together through family gatherings, beach trips, school reunions, and church fellowships.  Her legacy is the devotion to her faith, family and her passion for bringing people together.  Claudia had a true servant's heart.

Claudia was devoted to her husband Jay of fifty-eight years.  Over those years, Claudia and Jay lived in Germantown, Tennessee and Roanoke, Virginia.  In 1983, they returned to Brandon and began working side by side as they founded Arender Plumbing Supply in Jackson, Mississippi.  Upon retirement, they enjoyed traveling together in their motorhome across the country.  During these travels, Claudia made many lifelong friends.  In 2001, Claudia and Jay established The Music Barn in Polkville, Mississippi to once again fulfill her mission of bringing people together.  Claudia hosted friends from all over the country at The Music Barn by organizing music festivals, camp & jams, family and school reunions, card games, and potluck dinners.

Our family is forever grateful for the time God shared Claudia with us and the outpouring of love, support and prayers.  A special thank you to her doctors, nurses and caregivers for loving our sweet Mother.  It is our hope in Jesus that we will see our precious wife, mother, sister, Memaw, and friend again.

Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she made each one feel special. Claudia is survived by husband Jay Arender; children Kay (Mike) Smith, Jeff (Kerry) Arender, Amy (Justin) Hogue and honorary daughter Claire (Chris) Papizan; grandchildren Shayna Smith, Chelsey Smith, Kimberly Smith, Tanner Smith, John Austin (Julie) Arender, Jane Claire Arender, Logan Hogue, Kylie Hogue, Macy Kate Hogue, and honorary grandsons Jackson Papizan and Palmer Papizan; and sisters Christine Royals, Doris Warren, Patricia Sampley, and Glenda Dennis in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and many caring friends.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents Lee Roy & Hattie McIntosh; and brothers Melroy McIntosh, Roger McIntosh, Ernest Lee “Sonny” McIntosh Sr., and Cagney McIntosh.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossgates United Methodist Church mission fund or the The American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 26th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Ott and Lee Funeral home in Brandon, Mississippi.  Funeral services will be at Crossgates United Methodist Church in Brandon, Mississippi on Tuesday, April 27th at 11:00 am.  A graveside service will be held at Polkville First Baptist Church Cemetery in Polkville, Mississippi at 1:00 pm. Pallbearers: John Austin Arender, Justin Hogue, Logan Hogue, Mike Smith, Tanner Hogue, Christopher Papizan, Jackson Papizan, and Charles Warren.