Juanita McLemore

McCLEMORE, Mrs. Juanita - Age 67, passed away Friday, January 7, 2011 at Genesys Health Park. Mrs. Juanita McLemore was born on January 21, 1943 in Orville, Alabama to Lonnie and Earline Rayford, later becoming a resident of Flint, MI. Juanita accepted Christ in her life many years ago. She was a former member of the Inner City Outreach Church on North Saginaw St, Flint. Juanita was known for her cooking capabilities at church, where everyone called her “Big Mama.” She was a dedicated Foster Parent at Alternatives for Children Agency, retiring in 2004. Juanita McLemore was a well devoted and loving mother who enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved helping others, cooking, gardening, traveling and enjoying the outdoors. Her life was always about helping and caring for others. She cared for her kids, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, and even children in the neighborhood who needed care. I am sure all of us in this room received help from Mama in one way or another. Juanita was one that you can count on and definitely depend on. She was one who would give you her last dime if you needed it, and it made her happy to be able to give it to you. Juanita was able to give you good advice and whether or not you liked what she’d say to you, she would tell you just how she felt about the situation and she didn’t care if you liked it or not… “That’s just Mama.” There are not enough words to say about Juanita, better known to all of us as “Mama.” She did what God led her to do; Give, Give and Give… that was just her. Juanita was “The Solid Rock” of this family in which we all will truly miss.” Mrs. She leaves to cherish her memory: 2 daughters, Carrie (Lee) Pelton of Flint Township and Jacquandre McLemore of Flint; 8 sons, Napoleon (Venetia) Petteway of Flushing, MI, Robert and Roy Petteway, Lavon, Leslie, Tariq, Jesse and Robert McLemore, all of Flint; stepchildren, Arthur McLemore, III of Flint, Orlandris McLemore of Rochester, MI and Wanda Collins of Oakland, CA; grandchildren, Bryant Allen, Jr. of Saginaw, MI, Darnita and Shynita Petteway, both of Flint, Shakera Williams of Pine Bluff, AR, Porsche Jackson, Marquavis Whitaker, Quanita and Jacquan McLemore, all of Flint and Marcus Lewis of Grand Rapids, MI; great-grandchildren, Laynita Allen of Flint and Marcus Lewis, Jr. of Grand Rapids, MI; sisters, Margaret Huddleston of Flint, First Lady Oneita Robinson, Edna Smart, Willie Esther Beulah, all of Mobile, AL and Joanne Rayford of Orville, AL; brothers, Eugene, Charles and Lonnie Eugene Rayford, all of Mobile, AL and Mark Rayford of Orville, AL; special daughter-in-law, Lashaun Holmes of Flint; special nieces, Charline Smart of Hampton, GA and Lisa Robinson; special sister, Oneita Robinson; special neighborhood sons, Ryelan Cotton and Eric White, both of Flint; a host of other relatives and friends. Mrs. McLemore was preceded in death by her daughter, Cherica McLemore.

Juanita McLemore

January 21, 1943 - January 7, 2011