Kay Clendenon

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1941, I attended Maury High School (1959) and Old Dominion University (ODU), receiving a Bachelor’s degree in German (1963) with a minor in French. I also enjoyed philosophy classes as electives. Shortly after graduation, on a beautiful summer afternoon, I met Gene, a handsome young Naval Officer, at a restaurant in Virginia Beach and, after a whirlwind courtship, we were married and moved to Washington, D.C., where he had orders to study Russian at the Defense Language Institute. Fortunately, I was able to attend with him. 

After a few years, we returned to Norfolk, where Gene continued his career in the Naval Reserve and the Federal Government. We raised two children and took courses together in various subjects. When ODU opened a Graduate Program in Education, we pursued a Master’s Degree in that subject, going to school at night. 

I worked as a librarian part time for some years at a small private elementary school in Ghent, a lovely section of Old Norfolk. While there, I became interested in computers and enrolled in programming courses. Upon completion I helped the school staff computerize office procedures. I also did some free-lance work with small businesses. Continuing to look for opportunities to use these skills, I later volunteered at Bon Secours DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, working with the Computer Specialist on many projects, notably their Peer Review System. 

My husband and I, ardent supporters and fans of classical music and opera, regularly attended performances of the Virginia Symphony and the Virginia Opera; we also volunteered at Norfolk’s Classical Radio station, WHRO. Over time, I developed, and still have, a large CD collection of classical and early music, along with opera and even some dance music. 

More recently, I have come to love games, especially Mah Jongg and bridge and have found a fervent group of players of both games here in Lynchburg. I hope to discover equally ardent competitors at Westminster Canterbury. I also enjoy exercising, especially to Latin music, and have been a practicing vegetarian since 1999. After becoming a widow in 2013, I decided to move to Lynchburg to be near my daughter and son-in-law, as well as my son and family in Richmond.