Maggie Magnolia Thomas McLemore

Maggie Magnolia Thomas was born on July 10, 1939, in Bronson, Florida, to the late Will Thomas and the late Viola Nelson Thomas. She entered the world in a Pulpwood Camp on the road to Cedar Keys. Maggie spent her early years in Bronson before moving to Deerfield Beach, Florida, at the age of ten. She attended The Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church in Deerfield Beach throughout her youth and into adulthood. Maggie was also an honorary member of Philemon Ministries in Apopka, Florida, where she remained connected until her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie James McLemore, Jr.; children, Andria Denise Thomas and Aurice Dwayne McLemore of Fort Lauderdale; her biological father, Benjamin McGill Stewart of Ocala, FL; step-mother, Mary Marian Thomas; sisters, Thelma Dobins of Miami, FL, and Catherine Thomas Garner of Deerfield Beach, FL; step-sister, Gwendolyn Williams Gordon of Deerfield Beach, FL; nephews, Willie Gardner, Sr., Emmit Kitchen, and Felix Sweet, Sr.; and niece, Teresa Jeff. Maggie was educated in the Broward County School System and graduated from Blanche Ely High School in 1957. She continued her studies at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), where she became acquainted with the love of her life, Willie McLemore, Jr. They were united in Holy Matrimony on February 5, 1960, and remained devoted to one another until his passing in 1979. Their union was blessed with six children: the late Andria Denise, Adrian Dirk, Alan Dale, Anita Daphne, the late Aurice Dwayne, and Aileen Diana. In 1966, Maggie began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Over the years, she worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and a mental health facility, later retiring from the Broward County Public Health Unit. Dedicated to service and community, she also served on the Board of Directors of the West Lauderdale Football Club, where she managed the snack bar, assisted with physicals, and applied splints whenever needed. Maggie enjoyed the pleasures of life—cruising to the Bahamas, cheering for the Miami Dolphins, and rooting for the Miami Heat. She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: Sons: • Adrian Dirk McLemore of Fort Lauderdale • Alan Dale (Beverly) McLemore of Fort Lauderdale Daughters: • Anita McLemore Kelly (Nathaniel) of Astatula, FL • Aileen Diana McLemore of Boynton Beach, FL Siblings-in-Law: • Eugenia Gordon of Houston, TX • Richard McLemore (Linda) of Atlanta, GA • Henry McLemore (Beverly) of Valrico, FL • Reverend Alphonso McLemore of Pompano Beach, FL Grandchildren: Dundra McLemore (2 sons), Kendra McLemore (1 son), Adrian McLemore, Jr. (2 sons, 1 daughter), Taylor McLemore (1 son), Aaminah McLemore, Nacieve “Kerry” Owens (Marilyn) (2 daughters), Gary McLemore, Gaston McLemore, Jasmine Kelly, Jemitrice Kelly (1 son, 1 daughter), Janay Kelly, (2 sons), Gerrald Clark Jr. (Maria) (1 son, 2 daughters) Nieces: Janice Martin, Shirley Gardner A host of great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, and loved ones. Devoted Friend: Clement Simmons (Carter) Beloved Pet: Romeo Maggie touched many lives with her steady strength, her compassion, and her unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the community she served, and the hearts she forever changed.

Maggie Magnolia Thomas McLemore

July 10, 1939 - November 7, 2025