Belle Isabelle McLemore went home to be with her Lord September 5, 2008, at Harbor Hospice after an extended illness. She was born July 29, 1925 in Jasper, Texas but lived in Beaumont most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh R. McLemore, her parents, brothers and sisters.
Belle was a long time volunteer in the ICU Department of CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. She had been employed by First Security Bank and The White House Department Store Payroll Division. She supported her husband's 30-year involvement with the YMBL. She was a past officer of Women's Aglow and during the past few years, hosted a monthly nondenominational luncheon and prayer group in her home. She was a member of Cathedral in the Pines Christian Center for 59 years where she had been a choir member and taught Sunday school for most of those years. At various times, she taught all age groups and until her health failed, taught the Adult Seniors Class. She leaves behind a great Christian heritage for her family and many friends.
Belle loved and treasured her family. She is survived by her son, Don McLemore and wife, Cheryl, and her daughter, Carolyn McCormick and husband, Jim, of Katy, TX. The joys of her life were her grandchildren, Karin Mikko and husband, Kevin of Justin, TX, Chad McCormick and wife, Jeanne, of Katy TX and Todd McCormick of Katy, TX. She is survived by great grandchildren, Katelin, Cole, Daniel, Haley, Caroline and James. She is also survived by her sister, Lanelle Bragg, of Bronson, TX and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2008 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 N. 11th Street in Beaumont. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 8, 2008 in the chapel of the funeral home. A graveside service, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, will be held immediately following the memorial service.
The family would like to thank Dr. George Thomas, Dr. Thomas Lombardo, and Dr. Robert Birdwell for the care they provided over many years. Sincere appreciation is also offered to her care givers, Ruth and Ray Medina, to the staff at LenRose Assisted Living Center and to the staff at Harbor Hospice.
In lieu of the usual remembrances, contributions may be made in memory of Belle to Cathedral Christian School.