Delores B. Lemon

Delores B. Lemon (born Celily Delores Bethea) was born in Latta, South Carolina August 15th, 1939. She is the eldest daughter of Henry D. and Georgia O. Bethea. Delores was called to eternal rest in heaven on August 19th, 2023 in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Delores graduated from Latimer High School, Latta, SC at the age of 16 and earned a B.A. Degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama in 1960. While at Talladega she became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was a proud AKA and went on to become a charter member of the Eta Omega chapter in New York City. She served as their president from 1967 to 1969. In 1961 Delores married Benjamin C. Lemon, Sr. of Summerville, SC. Benjamin Sr. preceded her in death in 1999. Shortly after their marriage the couple relocated to New York City. Delores and Benjamin were blessed with one son, Benjamin C. Lemon, Jr. After initially teaching kindergarten in Columbia, SC, Delores had a long career in social work. Her social work career began as a case worker for the New York City Department of Social Services. Her final position there was Director of the Harlem Men’s Shelter. Her work at the shelter was featured in a New York Times newspaper article in 1986. Delores ended her social work career with the Dillon County Department of Social Services. Delores accepted Christ at an early age and was devoted to her church homes. Delores was raised in the Bethel Hill AME Church, Latta, SC and taught Sunday School as a youth. Se became a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Englewood, NJ. Delores was recognized as the Church Woman of the Year there in 1986. Upon her return to Latta, she became devoted to service at her beloved Bethel Hill. She served in many capacities (Missionary, Steward, Treasurer) until her health would not permit her to continue to serve. Even at the end of her long illness, she would lovingly refer to going to the “Hill”. Above all, Delores loved and was so proud of her family. She was blessed with a daughter-in-law, Tia, and two grandchildren, Chris and Rachel that were the apple of her eye. She would often care for members of her extended family in their times of need. Nothing made her happier than time spent with her family. She loved to prepare meals for her family, friends, and church. She even learned how to cook pit barbecue like her father and uncles before her. Her quiet, kind, but determined spirit is irreplaceable and she will be forever missed. Delores is survived by her son, Benjamin Clifford Lemon, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Tia Y. Lemon; grandchildren, Rachel Sydney Lemon, and Benjamin Christopher Lemon, all of Sugar Hill, GA; cherished sister, Rebecca Y. Johnson (Charles) of Fayetteville, NC; godson, Floyd Julian Lemon II (Khaalida) of Atlanta, GA; godson, Randy Terrell of NYC, NY; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Weston Chapel AME Church, 428 South Richardson Street., Latta, SC. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Latta, SC. 29565

Delores B. Lemon

August 15, 1939 - August 19, 2023