Jackie Sue Cofer McLemore's Obituary
Jackie Sue Cofer McLemore, 81, a long time Memphis resident, but East Tennessean at heart, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 21, 2019.Born in Harriman, Tennessee October 13, 1937, Jackie attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville and graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Education in 1960. While attending UTK she met the love her life, Billy M. McLemore and married him in 1961. Together they enjoyed all things Volunteer, fishing, boating, gardening (him not so much, maybe), running the family business and raising their children Dana McLemore Edwards (Neal), William Todd McLemore (Lanell), David Bradley McLemore (Tiffany). Jackie received a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling from Memphis State University (U of M) in the 1970’s and joined the active management of McLemore Markets. She served on the Board of Governors at the University of Tennessee and as Secretary/Treasurer of The Shelby County Republican Woman. She had a passion for politics and a gift for engaging others in a good debate; both of which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. In addition, she loved the mountains, spring, and working in her yard. Dad often laughed that he had moved every plant in her yard at least five times. She was known to make pit stops on road trips and borrow wild flowers from the side of the road. After 48 years of marriage, Billy went to be with the Lord in 2009 to pave the way for mom to join him in the future. No doubt they are either fishing, playing cards or affectionately fussing at each other.She was preceded in death by her parents Anna Laura Tedder Cofer and Abe Franklin Cofer, Jr.; her sister, Esther Cofer Cohn and brother, Abe Franklin Cofer, III.Jackie is survived by her three children as well as her grandchildren, Ann Ashford McLemore, Mabry Colleen Edwards, David Whit McLemore; step grandchildren, Kelsee Danielle Varie (Joey) and Avery Beck Hill; and brother-in-law, Shannon Floyd McLemore. At the end of her life, her brother, William David Cofer, was by her side giving her the love and support that always brought her such great comfort.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “A Fitting Farewell for Everyone”.
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