Rhonda Hope McLemore

Rhonda Hope McLemore, born July 10,1953, went home with her Lord and Savior on Thursday July 31,2025. She was an incredibly strong woman who loved life and loved Jesus.

Rhonda grew up in West Millers Cove, Walland. She was saved at West Millers Cove Primitive Baptist Church and baptized in Hesse’s Creek. She attended Walland Elementary School and graduated from Walland High School. She went on to earn degrees from Hiwassee College (Associate of Arts), Carson Newman University (Bachelor of Science), University of Tennessee (Masters of Science), Lincoln Memorial University (Ed.S in Administration), and Covington Theological Seminary (Doctor of Religious Education).

Rhonda retired from Blount County Schools in 2017 as assistant principal of Union Grove Middle School. During her 40 years of service, she taught at Chilhowee View Elementary, Binfield Elementary, Mary Blount Elementary, and William Blount Middle School. Awards received through her career in education were: Blount County Teacher of the Year 1987 and 2005; East Tennessee District Teacher of the Year 2005; nomination and top ten placement for Tennessee Teacher of the Year; Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers 1994 and 2002; Heart of Year Award given in honor of the most caring faculty member by Mary Blount Elementary faculty and Staff; HonoraryLieutenant Colonel awarded by former Governor Lamar Alexander in recognition of her contribution to the field of Education.

Rhonda dearly loved her church. She served as a faithful pastor’s wife at Lakeside Baptist Church, Vonore; Morganton Baptist Church, Greenback; West Maryville Baptist Church, Maryville; Altoona Baptist Church, Coker Creek and Tarklin Valley Baptist Church, Knoxville. In all of these, she was involved in many volunteer activities: Bible School Director, Sunday School teacher, Secretary, Nursing home ministries, relief efforts for needy families and fund raisers for foreign missions.

Her hobbies and interests included camping, going to the beach, and playing the guitar. She loved to play hymns from the Redback Church hymnal.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years Thomas Dwayne McLemore; father and mother, John Donald (Don) Myers and Mary Pearl (Lee) Myers; sister Sherry Denise (Myers) Christian and brother Harold David Myers; brother-in-law Rev. Kenneth Martin, and beloved great nephew James Colton (Colt) Staley.

Survivors include: Her daughter who stood by her every moment of her journey, Sarah Elizabeth McLemore; future son-in-law Brandon David Kraus; brothers Jimmy Myers and Bill Christian; sister Donna (Myers) Martin; Niece, who is regarded as a second daughter Sherri (Myers) Staley and husband Lee Staley; niece Kimberly (Martin) Satterfield and husband Ben Satterfield; and nephew Lane Staley; as well as multiple cousins.

Rhonda wanted everyone to know that she loves them. So many friends and family have brought joy to her over the years. Most of all she asked that each of you examine your relationship with Jesus and if you do not know him as your personal Savior, accept him today.

“ To everyone I went to school with, to every neighbor, to every student I taught to, every parent I met, to every co-worker, each of you are very special to me. Thank you for all the support and love throughout my lifetime. I love each and every one of you dearly.”

Friends are welcome to sign the register Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home. Rhonda will be laid to rest in her beloved West Millers Cove on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Officiating the service will be Rev. Scott Linginfelter and music will be performed by Randy Ott.