McLemore

Vivia Lola Martin McLemore

Franklin Advocate Aug. 28, 1997

Mrs. Vivia McLemore

A TRIBUTE

Mrs. Vivia Lola McLemore, better known as "Miss Viv," was a native of Franklin County. She was an active member of Hamburg Baptist Church where she served as pianist for over 70 years as well as being a Sunday School teacher for numerous years. She was a member of The Franklin County Retired Teachers; Association and a member of Eastern Star.

Mrs. McLemore was graduated from Meadville high School in Meadville, Ms. and from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, ms. With a major in English and minors in Math, Science and Music. She taught in Louin and Arkabutla, Ms. before returning to Franklin County. In Franklin County, she taught several years in Hamburg and then served as principal at Central School. Later she taught in Roxie and in Fayette, Ms.

Following a tragic housewife(?) in 1925, Mrs. McLemore's mother became seriously ill and died a year later. Upon her mothers death in 1926, she was called home to help her dad care for the family. After her dad's death three years later, she was the glue that held the family together. There were five girls and one boy who depended upon her wise counsel. After family members were educated and all were gone, she married her beloved J. T. He was a conductor for the Illinois Central Railroad. The McLemores settled in Hamburg, Ms. where they resided in the last old home place.
Mrs. Viv was a legend in her time. Not only did she care so faithfully for her family during their early years, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

In 1958, her sister, Christine Turner, lost here husband and moved in with Viv and her husband, J. T.. After J. T.'s death in 1961, Chris continued to live in hamburg with her sister, Viv. They enjoyed several wonderful trips throughout the United States and Canada.

If ever there was a family illness of a serious nature, Viv and Chris would pack their bags and go to help. They would stay from six weeks to several months at a time. These two ladies were filled with compassion for others.

Mrs. Viv had her own garden until 1994. She and her sister Chris loved fresh vegetable and enjoyed sharing them with friends. Their table was always so heavily laden with the bounty they received. One of their favorite things to do was cook for their family and friends. It was not unusual for Mrs. Viv to make eight or ten Japanese fruit cakes to give away at Christmas. Another of her hobbies was to crochet Afghans and give them away. She would always say, "Every stick is a stick of love for you."

Mrs. Viv touched the lives of all who knew her. One of the greatest things she leaves to her family is her true Christian heritage. She lived her life as a true Christian example for others. Her faith was evident as she spent her last years being care giver to her sister, Christine, who experienced failing health. Mrs. Viv would never give up. Even when family and friends encouraged her to have help in tending to Chris, it was not until recent years that she would agree. She just kept on keeping on. She had a fabulous sense of humor, a great mind and a strong determination in every endeavor.

What a special lesson we can all learn just by having known this very special lady! Her motto: "All things are possible when you trust in God."

The legacy that she leaves on this earth will live in the hearts and minds of all lives she touched. God called her home on July 20, 1997. Her memorial service was at Hamburg Baptist Church on July 21, 1997 with burial in Hamburg Cemetery. Rev. Matt Buckles, Rev. J. C. Graves and Rev. Ralph White officiated. Music was provided by Emma Joy Farr, one of her former music students.

Mrs. McLemore was a direct descendant of Christopher Guice, one of the first families of Mississippi.

Survivors: Four sister, Christine Turner who resides at Adams County Nursing Facility in Natchez, MS, Florence Wood of Laurel, MS, Ella Mae Miller of Minnetonka, MN and Ruth Calcote of Prentiss, MS; several nieces and nephews.

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