Obituary of Johnnie Louis McLemore

Well loved, John Louis McLemore of Willingboro, NJ, peacefully closed his eyes on the morning of Friday, March 28, 2025, to meet his lord. John was born in Lanett, Alabama, to his late parents, Jessie Mae and Willie Grady McLemore. He spent the majority of his youth in West Point, Georgia. Later as a young man, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. There he met his wife and love of his life, Mary Tanner. They entered into holy matrimony on May 20, 1960. Shortly after, they moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it was there where they completed their family. John worked various service jobs, which included carwash and gas station attendant, before finding his niche in the building trades. John became an expert in many areas of construction and found this to be his gift. He was skilled in foundations, sheet rocking, brick laying, and painting, among other things. John and Mary not only showed their children great work ethics, but also supported all five of their children to further their education. John had many hobbies and interests, and a love for animals. The family household always had multiple species of animals living there at one time or another. From dogs, cats, turtles, birds and even ducks. John loved car racing (Ford vs. Chevy), fishing, and hunting. He loved listening to music, especially his favorite singer, Gladys Knight. John’s love for cooking extended beyond the walls of his own home. He would apply his skills for anyone's cookouts, when asked. Every summer, he’d cook a special BBQ for the children at Variety Club Camp in Worcester, Pennsylvania. Everyone loved his fried fish, chili, BBQ ribs and so much more. And let’s not forget his special BBQ sauce. His own secret recipe. He was truly a self-made chef. John was always lending a helping hand to all. Many times his family took in others and gave them all the time they needed to establish their own homes. John and Mary welcomed family members, as well as close friends, into their home when they were in need of guidance and support. John renewed his fellowship with the lord, following his wife Mary to the Church Of The Good Shepherd, in Willingboro, NJ. John enjoyed serving people through various activities while at the Church Of The Good Shepherd. He especially loved cooking for the congregation and church events. John used his building talents to serve as the congregation's foreman overseeing the construction of the church Ellis Hall addition. Many may not know, He was also the foreman for the construction of the Wesley AME Zion Church in Burlington, NJ. John was preceded in death by the love of his life Mary McLemore, and son, David McLemore. Honoring his memory are his four children, Linda Brooks, Russell McLemore (Deborah), Margaret Smith (Luis Manzano, Jr.), Kathryn Bosman, niece/honorary daughter Constance Austin-Heredia (Arnaldo), grandchildren Akita Brooks-Bland, Aisha Beauford (Michael), Charles Brooks III (Sinh), Todd McLemore, Nikki McLemore, Jonathan McLemore, Caitlin McLemore, Tyler McLemore, Brittani McLemore, Erik-Jay Bosman (Sabrina), Alex Patterson, Jr. (Alex Patterson, Sr.), and nephew and honorary grandson Joshua Austin Heredia. John is also honored in memory by his honorary daughter Brenda Cusack, and honorary sons Pedro Rivera, David Sanchez, and Moses Simmons (deceased). Also left to grieve are a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.