Laquita Jausell Wallis and Bill McKemie

Colonel (Retired) Bill McKemie Our Dad Colonel (Retired) Bill McKemie, 79, of Austin, Texas, was interred November 29, 1999 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Mom now joins him. Laquita Jausell Wallis McKemie Our Mom "This too shall pass." Laquita Jausell Wallis McKemie, age 88, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully of natural cause on Monday, September 7, 2009, in Austin, Texas. She will be interred at 1:30 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2009 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. She is survived by her children: daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Jack Krings of Austin; son and daughter-in-law, John and Lynn of Houston; daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Johnny Palmer of Austin; son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Karen of Houston; grandson and daughter- in-law, Jim and Carrie of Houston; and grandson, Jason of Dallas and fiancée, Adrienne Wyatt of Ft. Worth. Mom was born December 13, 1920, in Texas and is a 5th generation Texan! She moved with her family to San Bernardino, CA; graduated from Junior College; and went to work for Alcoa Aluminum. Shortly afterwards, in December 1943, in spite of a busy dating, skiing and beach life in her Model A Ford (her dance card was always full!), she found the love of her life, Capt. Bill McKemie, Texas A&M Class of '41. They married in February 1944; two weeks after they married, he went to the Philippines for two years during World War II. Mom raised the kids in the U.S. and Germany for 30 years while Dad served in the U.S. Army. When Dad retired, they moved to Austin. Mom and Dad spent 36 wonderful years in Austin--enjoying traveling and he keeping the house in working order until his health started failing. All the while Mom was dedicated to growing her garden (and we all reaped the benefits!) and diligent about feeding watermelon to the deer! She created a central family gathering place where we always had a grand time--complete with Mom wearing her "onion goggles"! She was always where the action was! Mom's upbeat attitude with her definite views on life and a curious mind was a positive and memorable experience to anyone who met her! In any challenging or unwelcome situation or event, her mantra was always "this too shall pass." The last few years were challenging for her because of intermittent health problems--and, "this too shall pass." She taught her children to be resourceful, kind, inquisitive, questioning and persevering. Barbara considered it to have been a privilege to be her Caregiver and Patient Advocate during the last few years. Dr. F.C. Smith was Dad and Mom's personal doctor-- his constant oversight and personal care is sincerely appreciated. We are extremely grateful to Jonea Raney's personal care home, "Amber's Place", and the Caregivers for their heartfelt care while Mom lived there. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made in her name to the M.D. Anderson Patient Network-Unit 700, P.O. Box 301439, Houston, TX 77230.