Mauritta D. McLemore

We honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Mauritta Denice McLemore - a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and truly one-of-a-kind human being. 

Mauritta's story began on August 12th, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the cherished only child of Mauritta Hudson Sr., a proud Irish woman from Missouri, and Sharky Hudson, a tall, strong man of African and Native American descent from Alabama, Despite the challenges of being an interracial couple in 1947, her parents' love stood as a testament to resilience and unity, shaping the tight-knit family of three that would be the foundation of Mauritta's life. 

As a child, Mauritta embodied joy and curiosity. Her early years in Chicago were filled with the warmth of family and faith. She was baptized as a Christian and loved attending church with her mom and dad. In 1958, seeking a safer and more peaceful environment for their daughter, the Hudsons relocated to Vandalia, Michigan, a city rich in history as a stop on the Underground Railroad. It was there, surrounded by dogs, chickens, and a flourishing garden, that Mauritta developed a love for animals and formed lifelong friendships that have continued throughout her life. 

But Mauritta's ambitions extended beyond the quiet life of Vandalia. In 1967, she and her parents moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she thrived as a student at John Adams High School. A natural extrovert with an infectious personality, she dazzled her peers as a model and a ballet dancer. She had a radiant smile, an impeccable sense of style, and a knack for making friends who became extended family, whose stories of Mauritta are filled with laughter and love. 

After graduating in 1971, she pursued her love of dance with a scholarship in Chicago, where she continued to make lifelong friends and immerse herself in the arts. 

In 1973, Mauritta's life changed with the birth of her first son, Shawn. Shortly, after, she moved to Southern California, where she embraced the warm weather, the vibrancy of the West Coast, and the joy of raising her son. Her life wasn't without challenges - losing both her beloved parent in 1986 was a heartbreaking chapter. But through her grief, she found strength, courageously leaving her marriage and starting anew. 

It was during this period of transition that Mauritta met her soulmate, Gregory McLemore. They were kindred spirits, building a life full of love, laughter and faith. They married in 1991 and welcomed their daughter, Matina, into the world, creating a blended family with Greg's children.

Mauritta was a devoted wife and mother, but calling her a homemaker doesn't capture the full depth of who she was. She was an artist, a creative soul who spent her childhood en pointe as a ballet dancer, painted beautiful works of art, and sang with a voice that could brighten any room. She loved dressing up, was incredibly handy, and when she wasn't chatting with friends at the gym or enjoying retreats with close girlfriends, she could be found spending cozy evenings on the couch with her family enjoying her favorite shows. 

She has a warm presence, an offbeat sense of humor and was joy to be around. Her love for animals, her radiant smile, and her ability to connect with anyone she met made her unforgettable. Whether she was selling Avon and earning her spot in the President's Club or creating art around the house, Mauritta brought grace and determination to everything she did.

Her family was her greatest pride. She was a devoted partner to Gregory for over 35 years, referring to him as the love of her life. She was a devoted mother to Shawn and Matina, and cherished her role as a grandmother.

On December 23rd, 2024, after a long battle with dementia, Mauritta passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience and joy. She is now reunited with her parents and her Lord, but her spirit will live on in all of us who were blessed to know her. 

To Greg, Matina, Shawn and all her family: Thank you for sharing Mauritta with us. Her light will continue to shine through your love, your laughter, and your memories.

As we say goodbye, let us carry her lessons with us - to live fully, to love deeply, and to find joy in even the simplest moments.