Mary Alice Harrison McLemore, age 84 of Gulfport, passed away on September 22, 2018.

She was a native of Meadville, MS.  Mary was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics, with a minor in Chemistry.  She was employed at Franklin County Public Schools in Meadville and Harrison Central Elementary where she retired.  Mary Alice received Teacher of the Year several times throughout her career and was a member of the Retired Teachers' Association.  One of the many gifts the Lord bestowed upon Mary Alice was the gift of teaching.  Being a public school teacher was not just a job to her.  She was passionately dedicated to her students and adored by her colleagues.  At Harrison Central Elementary, she was known as "the first teacher to show up and the last to leave."  Her entire life was dedicated to teaching children.  She taught Sunday School faithfully every Sunday for years at Lyman First Baptist Church, where she was also the organist.  She gave her time teaching piano to children who will forever carry her music in their hearts.  She was also a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and American Federation of Teachers.

Mary Alice was preceded in death by her first born child, Dale McLemore; and her parents, James and Alma Mae Harrison.

She is survived by her daughter, Dana McLemore; her beloved dog, Kudro; her daughter,  Lisa McLemore; her son, Lyle McLemore; grandchildren, Daryl Buckles, Derek Buckles, and Kendall Buckles; great grandchildren, Braxton Taylor Buckles, Brady Tucker Buckles, Riley Kate Buckles, and Ethan Buckles; and Garland Harrison and Carol Woods.

"Let the little children come unto me", Jesus states in Matthew.  Anyone who knew Ms. Mary Alice can honestly say that in her 84 years, she did fulfill her duty on this earth.  She will be sorely missed by her precious dog, Kudro, who remained by her bedside, and every time her daughter, Dana plants a flower, her mom will be remembered.

A very special "thank you" to visiting angels of Gulfport, Reshanda Jenkins and Renee Heirren.  Also thank you to Lakeview Nursing Facility.  It is well, it is well with my soul.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Lyman, 14321 Old Highway 49, Gulfport, MS 39503.

The funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 29, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Lyman, Gulfport, MS with Riemann Family Funeral Home handling the service.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 12:00 PM at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Meadville.  Rev. Tony Mullins will be officiating with Franklin Funeral Home in charge of the graveside services.