Ollie L. McLemore

Ollie L. McLemore, age 91, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Ollie was born October 29, 1934 in Helena, Arkansas, to Curtis Stokes and Mildred Hodges. The oldest of three children, she moved with her family to Chicago as a young girl. They settled on the South Side, where she grew up surrounded by the love and support of her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunts, uncles and many close cousins. Though her beginnings were humble, Ollie’s life would become a testament to what can be achieved through positivity, determination and a deep love for all people.

After graduating as valedictorian from DuSable High School, Ollie continued her education at Chicago Teachers College, graduating in 1958. She married Nelson McLemore, Jr. on April 24, 1959, and they welcomed their only child, Dr. Nelson McLemore III, shortly thereafter. During this time, Ollie began her lifelong commitment to education in Chicago Public Schools as a teacher at Willard Elementary School.

In 1978, she joined Beasley Academic Center Magnet School, where she served first as a teacher, then assistant principal and ultimately principal. While dedicating herself to her students and school community, Ollie also continued her own academic journey, earning a Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from Roosevelt University in 1982.

During her tenure as principal at Beasley, Ollie and the school received the prestigious honor of hosting Bill Clinton during a 1992 Presidential campaign stop in Chicago, bringing national recognition to the school. Following that visit, he named Ollie the Illinois representative in his “50 Faces of Hope” campaign inviting her to a special “Faces of Hope Luncheon” during inauguration week. Four years later, she was again invited by him to attend his second presidential inauguration.

After retiring from the Chicago Board of Education in 1993, Ollie’s passion for education continued to guide her work. She served as an elementary school principal at Salem Christian Academy and Betty Shabazz International Charter School. She also served as Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and as Assistant Director for DePaul University’s School of Education School Achievement Structure (SAS) while working for her own educational consulting company.

Ollie devoted her life to teaching, mentoring and uplifting others. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and community members through the years. Her dedication to education, leadership, and even her distinctive personal style earned her numerous honors, including “Best Dressed” recognitions, Chicago State University’s 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award, Rainbow Push’s Inaugural Dorothy I. Height Keeper of the Village Award in 2010 and DuSable High School’s Powerful Women Awardees at its 80th Anniversary Celebration in 2015.

Beyond the classroom, Ollie was deeply connected to her community. She was a charter member of the Dozens Social Club and Chicago Carrousel, Inc., and a member of the Windy City Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the American Bridge Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Metropolitan Cluster. She also served on numerous educational, civic and community boards throughout her life, including the Mary Herrick Scholarship Fund.

Known for her warmth, wisdom, sparkle and generous spirit, Ollie brought joy wherever she went. She had a special way of making people feel seen, valued and encouraged. Her kindness and uplifting presence touched countless lives, and the love she shared will continue to live on through all who knew her.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Dr. Nelson (Bridget) McLemore III; her cherished grandchildren, Nelson, Declan, and Emerson; her sister-in-law, Angela McLemore; and a host of godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends- too many to name individually, but each deeply loved and appreciated.

Ollie will be deeply loved, fondly remembered, and greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams Street, Chicago. Visitation will begin at 1:45 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Livestream will be available and shared the morning of the service.