Cora M Lemke

Cora M. Lemke was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 24, 1944.  She originally grew  up  surrounded by orange groves  which she loved and then moved at an early age to Georgia where she spent most of her childhood.  Cora graduated from Newton County High School in 1962.  She was the daughter of Walter and Inez Lemke formerly of Conyers, Georgia.

Cora spent the last 34 years in Louisiana, and while there, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from Northeast University in Monroe, Louisiana.  She also earned several associate degrees in Business (LA Tech in Ruston) and Medical Technology  (Hinds in Jackson, MS).  She should have earned an associate degree in “How to Play Bridge” at Georgia Southern, but they did not recognize the curricula as being substantial enough for a granted degree.

Cora was a smart and witty individual—even a charming storyteller-- who loved to learn.   She had a curiosity about life that was demonstrated in her numerous hobbies, such as photography, woodworking, astrology, fishing, coin and stamp collecting, and electronic gadgetry.   She loved to read mysteries and solve puzzles of all kinds. She was extremely eclectic in her perspective of life.

Cora also had a quiet spirit of generosity.  When Katrina hit Louisiana, she was a “behind the scenes” organizer and giver.  Once she even handed a co-worker her credit card and said, “Get whatever you need for the shelter that your church is sponsoring for the evacuees.”

To some persons, Cora was tough; and, I imagine in her younger years, she was probably a “rounder.”  Yet, if you ever got past her bear-like façade, you would find a very tender, loving, giving, and caring heart.

Cora was excited about coming back to her home in South Carolina in June.  Yet, as often happens, her life took another turn, and she died this past Sunday night, August 10, at the Agape Hospice in Columbia, South Carolina.  She died peacefully and in the arms of her loving God.

I am so grateful that she was in my life and that she helped me understand that unconditional love is possible in our relationships.