Mother of six journeyed from sharecropping to nursing career
August 6, 1918 - February 12, 2024
Daisy McLemore was born in Douglas, GA on August 6, 1918 to the late Eliza B.and Oliver Wells. She was the eldest of three children. Her siblings Verdell Boyd and Charlie Wells preceded her in death. As sharecroppers, the family raised livestock and grew cotton, tobacco, and other crops.
At the age of 18, she married Cleveland McLemore, a high school teacher. They had six children, Willie, Bernice, Curtis, James [deceased], Laverne [deceased] and Tyrone. After marriage, she moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1942. She raised a family and did many odd jobs including house cleaning and working at a factory that made shells for WWII. She later studied nursing at Cleveland State and received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. She enjoyed nursing because she liked to help people.
Daisy was inspired at an early age by her maternal grandmother, Mattie Munson, to become an active and devout Christian. She became a devoted Christian as a result. Daisy was active at Community A.M.E Church for over 70 years. She was President of the Lena E. Smith Missionary Society and secretary of the Gospel Choir among many other positions. One of her greatest memories was the two weeks she spent in Jerusalem for 2 weeks.
Daisy enjoyed helping others and being around the young children. She always manifested a positive attitude.
Daisy was preceded in death by a daughter Laverne McLemore Hill and son, Rev. Dr. James McLemore. Her survivors include one daughter, Bernice McLemore Campbell of Cleveland, and three sons, Dr. Willie McLemore (Bessie) Evans, GA, Curtis McLemore, and Tyrone McLemore, both of Cleveland; nineteen grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 21 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 16 from 4p-8p at Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Rd. [44146].
The funeral service will be held at Lee Memorial AME Church on Friday, February 23, beginning at 11a. A wake will precede the service at 10a.
Arrangements were entrusted to E. F. Boyd & Son.
• • •• • •
