Women’s History Month Spotlight: Lillian Lamison Lemelle

The Barnes–Blow Family proudly celebrates Lillian Lamison Lemelle, a remarkable woman whose life reflects strength, perseverance, faith, and dedication to family and community.

A Life of Faith, Perseverance, and Service

Lillian is the daughter of Beatrice Barnes Lamison and Winget Lamison. She is the
granddaughter of Langston Barnes and Rhea Mae “Mama Rhea” Blow Barnes and the
great‑granddaughter of Ada Blow Bryant and Charlie Blow.

Born and raised in Capron, Virginia, in Southampton County, Lillian grew up surrounded by the strong family values that define the Barnes–Blow family heritage.

Memories of Mama Rhea’s House

One of Lillian’s most treasured memories is the joyful gatherings at Mama Rhea’s home and
farm on Sundays. After church services, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and
cousins gathered together in fellowship and joy. Adults often sat peacefully on the porch
while the yard filled with laughter as children of all ages played together.

Education and Determination

Lillian attended Southampton County Training School, the school that served the
community prior to the construction of Riverview High School.

While she was still in high school, her devoted mother, Beatrice Barnes Lamison, became
seriously ill. Demonstrating extraordinary determination and devotion to family, Lillian and
her sisters, Peaches and Marie, alternated caring for their mother for a year while the others
attended college. Through perseverance and sacrifice, they continued their education.

Lillian went on to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State
College (now Norfolk State University). She later attended Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond, Virginia, where she earned her master’s degree in social work.

Career of Service

After completing her graduate studies, Lillian built a stellar career serving the community.
She worked for the Norfolk, Virginia, Health Department for 31 years, helping improve the
well‑being of countless individuals and families.

Faith and Community Service

Lillian is a woman of deep faith and serves actively through numerous ministries, including
Women’s Fellowship, Cafeteria Ministry, and Deaconess Ministry.

She is a member of several civic organizations. These civic associations include the New
Virginia Majority and Golden Years. Golden Years is for seniors, and the association meets
at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where Reverend Raymond Barnes (a
dear cousin) serves as pastor. Women of Grace Strength and Dignity in Franklin, VA, is
another organization that Lillian is an active member and supporter. Their mission is
consistent with her faith walk in life.

She is also active in civic engagement through the Lindenwood / Cottage Heights / Barraud
Park Civic League, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

Family

Lillian is a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She is married to Reverend Howard Lemelle.

She is the proud mother of:
Michael Lemelle
Moby Lemelle
Natasha Lemelle

Her legacy continues through five grandchildren and seven great‑grandchildren.

Personal Interests

Lillian enjoys water aerobics, reading, and walking outdoors. Those who know her describe
her as a woman of dignity, wisdom, and quiet strength who works tirelessly behind the
scenes to help others. Again, Lillian truly enjoys helping others. There is a perceivable
radiance when people receive a blessing.

Life Philosophy

One song that beautifully reflects Lillian’s philosophy of life is “If I Can Help Somebody,” performed by The Blind Boys of Alabama.

“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain.”

These words capture the spirit of Lillian’s life. She quietly helps others whenever she can.
She does not seek recognition, but her family proudly celebrates her during Women’s
History Month for the many lives she has touched through faith, compassion, and service.

Tribute Poem

Grace in her spirit,
Strength in her walk,
Wisdom in the words
She lovingly shares.

From Capron’s fields
To halls of learning,
Her determination
Lit a path for others to follow.

Through sacrifice and challenge,
Her faith remained steady
Like a quiet guiding light.

A devoted wife,
A loving mother,
A trusted friend,
A pillar of family strength.

Today we celebrate her journey,
Her service,
Her grace,
And the beautiful example she remains.

The Beatitudes for Nana

By Micah LeMelle

Blessed is the one whose love has covered multitudes— forgiving wrongs, helping without
recognition, acknowledging the good even when there was just a little to be found.

Blessed is the one who always shows up— at every game, every performance, every speech.

Blessed is the one who dares to let God use her; a vessel who constantly pours out to others
from depths unknown.

Blessed is the one who teaches with patience, who corrects in love, who leads with grace.

Blessed is the one who has calmed the crying babe and guided the wayward child.

Blessed is the one who with steady hands has mended what was torn, nourished those who
were starved, and consoled those who were hurting or afraid.

Blessed is the one with years in her bones, who has gathered what she could from those
who came before her in order to guide the generations that sprang forth from her own
womb.

Blessed is the one whom we affectionately call “Nana.” The Grand Mother. The glue that
binds our family together.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be
gracious to you; and May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Amen.

“Her children will rise up and call her blessed.” – Proverbs 31:28