Willma May Jemes of Branson, formerly of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Branson. She was born May 2, 1932, in Morgan, Missouri to Freeman Broyles and Pearl Davis. At the time of her passing, Willma was ninety-one years, five months and nine days.
Willma lived her entire life in Laclede County. At the age of seventeen, she was united in marriage to her lifelong love, Clifford Walter Jemes. They were married sixty-six glorious years until his passing on October 26, 2015. Together they raised seven children and shared in the happy times, as well as the challenging times.
She is survived by her daughters, Lelia Hart and her husband, Shelva of Branson, and Debbie Jemes of Lebanon; her sons, Darrell Jemes and his wife, Natalie of Macon, James Jemes and Teddy Jemes and his wife, Debbie, both of Lebanon, Eddie Jemes and his wife, Thersa of Neosho; her daughter-in-law, Martha Jemes of Lebanon; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
Willma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clifford; her son, Farrell Jemes; two grandchildren, Shane Lee Hart and Shannon Jemes; a great-granddaughter, Araya Hope Moore; her brothers-in-law, Clayton, Eldon, Buel and Clinton Jemes; and two sisters-in-law, Kay Jemes and Loretta Jones.
Not only was Willma busy raising seven active children, she also worked outside the home. Through the years, she was employed at Beards Laundry, Rice-Stix, Justice Furniture, The Durham Company, the Lebanon School system, as well as helped out in election polling places. She also owned a quilting machine and quilted many quilts for clients in the area.
Willma loved God and attended Mt. Zion Cuba Church, as well as Liberty Freewill Baptist Church.
Above all, Willma loved her family. She looked forward to being with them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were exciting, yet challenging, in trying to get everyone together, but she enjoyed every minute of it.
Willma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her loss is deeply felt by her family, and she will be so missed. Yet, we know that she lives on in them, in their memories, in their love for each other.
Funeral services for Willma Jemes will be Monday, October 16, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, October 15, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Zion (Cuba) Cemetery near Grovespring. A memorial has been established to the Cuba Cemetery or the Gideon Ministry and donations may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
