of Chelsea, Michigan and Ocala, Florida, formerly of Jeffersonville, Indiana.  Age 78, died  peacefully at the University of Michigan Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, due to complications of leukemia. She was born May 31, 1933 in Russellville, KY, the daughter of Ernest Eugene & Margaret Isabella (Miller) Thomas.

Lela was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She loved doing things with and for her children and grandchildren. Lela loved sharing new adventures like fileting a fish, making frog legs, and making home-made donuts with her grandchildren. She was always full of energy. Lela was very creative and could find a way to make anything work. She was a true southern lady and was an excellent southern cook. Lela enjoyed traveling with her family.
On February 8, 1957, she married Walter Everett McLemore in Jeffersonville, IN, and he survives. Other survivors include one son, Michael (Angela) McLemore of Ocala, FL; two daughters, Lela “Diane” (Paul) Johnson of Chelsea, and Lisa VanWyk of Sarnia, Ontario; her brother, James (Mary Ann) Thomas; ten grandchildren, Jordan and Cameron McLemore; Karessa, Branden, Travis and Caleb Johnson; Kylia, Erick, Jesse and Luke VanWyk; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 10, 1:30 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, with Rev. Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family will receive friends Friday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or the Leukemia Foundation.