Clara May Cretchan Lemell

Birth - Clara was born on Thursday, September 8, 1921.

Rebirth - Our precious jewel gained her heavenly wings on the mid-morning of Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 11:15 a.m.

God seen you getting tired and said come to me my child, it's time to take off these old clothes and put on your Heavenly clothes. You have worked very hard in my vineyard, now it is time to come home and take your rest.

Clara was born the fourth child to the late Shone Narcisse and Rosa Cormier Cretchan on Thursday, September 8, 1921. On September 30, 1939, she united in holy matrimony to the late Joseph Lemell, Sr., and to his union five children were born, two boys, Earl and Joseph, Jr., and three girls, Kay, Ruth and Jacqueline.

Clara, she was known by many; very few called her Ms. Clara. Everyone who came in contact with her called her "Momie". She was a very special person and was very well known. Momie worked some long hard days. She would always tell us the stories of how and where she would have to walk to work; we guess that's what make her so strong and healthy.

Clara was the oldest citizen in Welsh, LA. In January, 2010, she received an award from Bethune-Richmond Parks, LTD Club in recognition of her service to the community. In May, 2011, she received a letter of recognition from President Barack Obama honoring her for her 90th birthday.

Momie was a very loving person. She loved to cook and would feed anyone. Her family meant the world to her and God blessed her to see five generations of family. We are blessed and thank God for giving her 95 years of life longevity and great health. She also lived the longest of her siblings and as she lost a sibling, their children took to her as an aunt/mother. One of her sayings was "God has me hear for a reason". Everyone who knew her knows how she loved reading her bible and working her puzzle book.

Clara C. Lemell leaves to cherish her beautiful legacy, five children, Earl (Mary) Lemell, of Lake Charles, LA, Kay Hill of Welsh, LA, Ruth Bolin of Los Angeles, CA, Joseph Lemell, Jr., of Port Arthur, TX, and Jacqueline (Rolland) Pitre of Welsh, LA; two grandchildren she said was her own, Rosaline Hill of LeBleu, LA and Shelby Celestine of Port Arthur, TX; 23 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 23 great great grandchildren; a special cousin, Josephine Simon; three Godchildren, Francis Victorian, Irma Harmon and Renee Spencer; her brother-in-law, Alexander Prudhomme, Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lemell, Sr., her parents, Shone and Rosa Lemell, one great granddaughter, Jayla Williams, one great great granddaughter, Aubrey Brown; her siblings, Francis Joseph, Agnes Joseph, Lawrence Cretchan, Clarence Cretchan, Ollie Joseph, Ethel White and Essie Prudhomme.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 8:00 a.m., and funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Welsh, La., Rev. Vincent Thomas Vadakkedath, officiating.   Burial will be in Bon Pasteur Cemetery in Welsh, La., under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomelakecharles.com