Lemma Maedell (Smith, Jones) Estes

Lemma Maedell (Smith, Jones) Estes went to the arms of the Lord, Sunday, May 26, surrounded by her family at the Franciscan Hospital, Indianapolis, IN.

Lemma began her journey February 21, 1927. Born to Effie Smith, Kings Mountain, KY. She enrolled herself in school, while her aunt was busy talking, giving authorities her name as Lemma Maedell Jones. Taking the name of her stepfather Homer “Genie "Jones. Lemma graduated from Waynesburg High School, Waynesburg, KY. She attended Eastern University in Richmond, KY. Then taught at the Pond School in Pond Ridge, KY. Many remember her as a great teacher. 

Many called her Maedell. Lemma married Cyrus M. Estes (now deceased), November 24,1945, while he was on leave from the army. They had 52 years together. They were blessed with four viable children, and a set of twin boys, who died at birth. Sons, Garry L. Estes of Hope, IN, (now deceased), wife was Mary Lou), Neil B. Estes, (now deceased) Columbus, IN wife Debby. Daughters, Patty S. (Estes) Shaw, Shelbyville, IN, husband, Mike, and Sherry G. (Estes) Thorne, Shelbyville, IN, husband Gene.

Lemma lived in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana in her lifetime. She was a hard worker all of her life. From picking strawberries, then retail, doing whatever was asked, even being the voice of Rudolf at the snack bar. Retiring after 15 years of working at Amos Plastics in Edinburgh, IN. Lemma was always strong in her faith and active in her churches. The last being Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, in Shelbyville, IN. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren; Tammie (Estes) Eppley, Shannon (Estes) Clulow, (Chris), Tracy (Pennington) Games, (Kevin), Erin (Shaw) Powell, (Don), Brian Pennington, (Sherry). 10 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. Sister’s Doris Toombs, Diane Durham, two deceased sisters; Verneda and June, two deceased brother’s Glen Jones and Don Jones. Many nieces and nephews. And members of the Bitner family. 

Recently, when asked by a young individual what advice she would give a young person, Lemma said, “Always tell the truth”!

Funeral services will be 3:00 pm, Friday, May 31, 2024, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road with Pastor Robb Barlow officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 until the time of the service, at the funeral home. 

A graveside service will be at Double Springs Cemetery in Waynesburg, Kentucky on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 2:00 pm. 

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, Kentucky, is entrusted with Mrs. Estes’ local arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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