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BORN
1932
DIED
2015
Meadowlark Lemon Obituary
Lemon, who later became an ordained minister, died Sunday in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lived, according to his wife, Cynthia. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Lemon dreamed of becoming a Harlem Globetrotter, which blends comedy and theater on the basketball court, when he was a boy. He was named to the team in 1955 after he attended Florida A&M University and served in the U.S. Army during the early 1950s.
He played with the Globetrotters until 1980, when he left to join a Globetrotters knock-off team, the Bucketeers. He also played with another team, the Shooting Stars, in the ‘80s before forming his own Globetrotters-like team, Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Stars. The Globetrotters was his first love, however, and he rejoined the team for their 1994 touring season.
According to his personal website, Lemon became an ordained minister in 1986. He also became a motivational speaker.
He was born Meadow Lemon III April 25, 1932, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 10 children, five girls and five boys: Richard, George, Beverly, Donna, Robin, Jonathan, Jamison, Angela, Crystal and his youngest, Caleb Lark Lemon.
Memories and Condolences
for Meadowlark Lemon
274 Entries
Larry V
March 16, 2025
Thank you for all the memories, rest in peace & see you on the other side!
vic/terry tillinghast
April 17, 2024
meadowlark: r i p we are joyous that you found our Lord Jesus Christ,before it was way too late!!! p.s. see you in the new jerusalem!!! :)
Treisy Mccloud
January 15, 2020
God bless you all our family will keep you all in our prayers
Grady Youngblood
January 5, 2020
Harry Simpson
December 27, 2019
Rest in Peace Meadowlark, and thank you for the wonderful memories. Rest Meadow, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Chris Surrett
October 19, 2019
Thanks for the joy and memories
Ann ,carol Childresg dad f tag
November 17, 2018
Rest in peace Meadowbank thanks for th memor Ann carol
Mike Crowe
January 5, 2018
RIP MEADOWLARK YOU WIL MISSED WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS GOD BLESS YOU ALL
December 27, 2017
I loved watching the globetrotters as a child. As Mr. Lemon's family reflects on his memories, we hope they are able to cope with God's love and hope each day.
Valenda Newell
June 30, 2016
Thanks for all you have done for the game of basketball, for years you traveled with the GLOBETROTTERS and millions were entertained especially the kids. MEADOWLARK you gave the world so much JOY. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...RIP
Gary Goodrow
June 18, 2016
Praying for the Lemon family! I miss the backyard BB games with George, & when dad came home to join us!
Would love to talk to you again, George - if you're still out there! I, too, am in the ministry!
Blessings in Jesus Name!
Ken Friend
December 31, 2015
Heartfelt prayers & thoughts to George, John & the entire Lemon family.
"Meadowlark entertained millions around the World"..... that was part of my opening script when Meadowlark hired a 20 year old kid from Michigan to be his emcee & announcer. He certainly did entertain millions & millions. But, to work and learn from him was simply amazing. Meadowlark helped craft my announcing into a career. His zero tolerance for mediocrity still stays with me to this day. On a trip to New York City back in the early 80's, I got ready to do the starting lineups prior to the start of a game and the microphone did not and would not function. As, I sat at the scorers table I glanced to my right, Meadlowlark who was seated on the bench looked at me and said...."Handle It".....I stood up, went to center court & and with only my voice, performed the starting lineups. It taught something to me that day, that I have passed on to my teenage son. When life throws you a difficult situation....."Handle It".....because you can!
I learned of Larks passing Monday on a airport shuttle bus. Then, while on board & at the gate on my flight, as a looked out my window, the next gate over was gate 36. The number Meadowlark made famous.
Every time I turn on my microphone, I give thanks to Meadowlark.
John, George & loved ones..... not many have touched so many.... I'm fortunate that my life was one he reached out and touched.
God Bless,
Ken Friend
Michigan
Steve Parry
December 28, 2015
A sad reminder of our short human time here of earth, but a celebration of loving open arms of Him in the far better place in heaven. My prayers to his family. From an old trampoline halftime entertainment act with the Globetrotters 1960 - 1970. Lot's of wonderful memories.
Mary Jeffers
December 28, 2015
I remember seeing Meadowlark on different television shows during the 60s. This reminds me of how life is a vapor; here today, then you're gone. God promised us an age of three scores and ten so you achieved that and then some. May God comfort your family members and fans.
Thanks for the memories dear Meadowlark Lemon.
Rose F.
December 29, 2015
The World has lost a great Basketball Legend, one who brought much joy to our hearts. He was one who made all, young and old, love basketball. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family. Thank you for sharing him with the world. He made the world an enjoyable place to be wherever he played. Please allow the comfort and peace that God gives bring solace to your broken hearts. HE will help you keep the memories of Meadowlark fresh in your minds and hearts. Now Meadowlark is resting, so please find consolation in the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 which says to have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so will Meadowlark as God promised. Keep comforting one another with these words and may you have peace for the future.
chris surrett
February 27, 2016
i just found out about meadowlark passing. he was a grrat guy.when i was a kid he gave me and my parents tickets to the game thats what kind of a man he was because we could not afford to go.
Lorinda Boelter
February 14, 2016
My dad took me to several games when I was a child. Meadowlark, you were always my favorite. RIP Sir, you will be greatly missed. Prayers to your family.
Roy Eastham
February 9, 2016
Will miss you until we meet up yonder!
paul spaulding
February 9, 2016
I am truly saddened the loss of this great basketball great I have watched since the 1970s and all his other great companions, god bless you lark
paul
February 9, 2016
I am truly saddened the loss of this great basketball great I have watched since the 1970s and all his other great companions, god bless you lark
Blondies Pressley
February 6, 2016
To t
he family tell GOD THANK YOU!! down through the years i have enjoyed watching him play Basketball & being a. Witness for the LORD...the more you tell GOD thank you the stronger you get-and you can except what GOD allowed to take place we know that we will see him again..Be ready to meet him on that day...he stays alive in your heart & memory anytime you want too just pull on one of them, when you're finish put it back up until the next time. .Family be BLESSED.
With Love & Prayers Blondie Pressley
January 6, 2016
I've never forgotten Meadowlark Lemon. I saw him on TV about 50 years ago and he was the best and funniest basketball player I have ever seen.
God Bless for enjoying to make all his fans happy all those years.
My condolences to his family and children. You had a very special man, sorry for your loss. He will be remembered by many for years and years to come.
Jack and Marilyn Carl
Massillon, Ohio
R. W.
January 6, 2016
To all who new and was a Fan, Meadowlark was truly an entertainer on the Court. So sorry for your loss. Please allow our Heavenly Father to be your stronghold during this sad time.(Ps.91:2) R.W. Ohio
Jeff Zap
January 4, 2016
An amazing basketball player and a true entertainer.
Amazing to watch on the court and by all appearances, a true gentleman
Suzanne Beasley
January 3, 2016
Forever a Legend. A memory in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to see your magic on the court. RIP
Lynn French Cook
January 3, 2016
I had the pleasure to work with Meadowlark for the last 7 or 8years. What a PRO. The people loved him and he LOVED the people. A GODLY man. His sense of humor was great. I learned alot about people & myself by talking & working with this wonderful MAN. GOD BLESS YOU we will miss you my friend. Lynn French Cook
Therese Clark
January 2, 2016
My deepest condolences for your loss. I was just a little girl when I first was lucky enough to experience The Harlem Globetrotters. To say I was in awe is an understatement. He is a part of American history and his memory will live on a lifetime!
January 2, 2016
My favorite basketball player from back when I was a little girl; no other player ever came close to him. He had so much fun on the court and his joy was contagious, even over the television.
Globetrotters--The only basketball team I was a fan of. How wonderful that he has shared such love with his fans.
Tanja Sewell
January 2, 2016
To the family, may the great memories of your time with him help you during this difficult time. We appreciate his service in the Army, entertaining us as a Harlem Globetrotter, most importantly as a minister bringing others to know God.
Jill Sutherland
January 1, 2016
My husband's hero, Meadowlark--when we met you, our lives changed. We will miss you so much, but know you are in a wonderful place. Blessings-Ray and Jill
John Louis
January 1, 2016
I was Meadowlark's traveling massage therapist in 1983. I have such fond memories of that time. He was a truly gifted entertainer and a nice man. Rest in peace, Lark!
B Jean Walker
January 1, 2016
R I P. We will miss you,now play ball for GOD.You know HE Loves you.
Lisa Weiner
January 1, 2016
To Meadowlark Lemon,
You were a great basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters. You made me laugh. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Lisa Weiner
January 1, 2016
To Meadowlark Lemon,
You were a great baseketball player with the Harlem Globetrotters. You made me laugh. I will always remember you Mr. Lemon. My prayers go to your family and Friends. Lisa Weiner
marilyn hayes
January 1, 2016
To the,family of Meadowlark lemon,my prayers and sympathy are with you. Mr. Was,is,and always be the greatest. I loved,him and he will live on in my heart and in my memories.
Hector PERDOMO
January 1, 2016
The beauty of your spirit will live with the love you have shared while living and loving your life!
Thank You!
R.est
I. n
Parque Heaven!!
the prince of basketball!
hector perdomo
January 1, 2016
This day will live in basketball and world history!
The Clown Prince of Basketball! has moved on to the real BIG SHOW- and we was so blessed and grateful to have witnessed his spirit. The Naismith International Basketball Foundation give love respect , and our condolences to the legacy Meadowlark created for the living. His purpose without even saying a word was to ALWAYS LEAVE THEM WITH A SMILE AND THEY NEVER FORGET YOU!!!
MEADOWLARK LEMON WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
God Bless
Hector R. Perdomo
Naismith International basketball foundation
Jon Katz
January 1, 2016
Deeply thanking and bowing to Meadowlark. Sending prayers to Meadowlark, Robin (who was my high school French classmate) and the rest of Meadowlark's family.
Carolyn Fletcher
December 31, 2015
Meadowlark visited our very small town of Gruver, Tx. in April of 1993.
We were blessed to have him as a guest in our home, church, and community. What beautiful memories of a wonderful man.
Baldwin Family
December 31, 2015
We have only good memories of Mr. Lemon and send sincere condolences and prayers that the family will have peace during these days of grief.
Fred
December 31, 2015
I enjoyed watching Meadowlark Lemon play and he was an inspiration. RIP
B J Fitz
December 31, 2015
I will miss you my friend, but I will never forget you. You are in GODs House now.Enjoy all that LOVE,JOY and PEACE forever,and ever pastor Lemon.
DENISE SWAIN
December 31, 2015
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS. RIP MEADOWLARK!
Virginia Hoge Williams
December 31, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 31, 2015
I want to express my deepest sympathy of your great loss. May you continue find comfort among family / friends and especially from God. John 11 : 25.
I grow up seeing the grobtrooters on tv, I wasnt into sport most, but the grobtrooters make it very excited, and interested.
Dianne C.
C J Dale
December 31, 2015
Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus Christ!!! To the family of Meadowlark Lemon. Wow an amazing man has went to be with God. He was a dear friend of mine and had came to minister for me in Henderson NC. He loved his wife and family. A man that stood on word of GOD...in JESUS CHRIST!!! Love you my bro. and friend. See you Heaven someday. Romans 10:9-10...
Carol Hales
December 31, 2015
RIP GOD BLESS YOU. I'M sorry for your loss Thanks for sharing your husband and your father with us.
Deanna
December 30, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you Mr. Lemon for the laughter.
Bonny & Foster Ryan
December 30, 2015
Meadowlark was blessed with the gift of knowing how to make people laugh and be happy.I will never forget taking my children to see him and the Globetrotters perform. They were all wonderful especially Meadowlark. My wife (Bonny Walsh) went to high school with Robin in Fairfield, Connecticut. Thank you for all the good times. Rest in peace dear man. Our sympathy to the family. God be with you all.
Todd
December 30, 2015
My father always took me to see the Harlem globtrotters every time the team came to Pittsburgh. Thanks for the joy watching the game gave to me. I pray for your family to be comforted during this tragic time.
STEVE YOUNG
December 30, 2015
The light of happiness and joy to the world and in basketball a star is born Meadowlark Lemon is the one superstar that lights up my basketball joy of happiness. This is the true joy of our friend Meadowlark Lemon. STEVE YOUNG AND PATTY YOUNG FROM BALTIMORE MARYLAND
rev.dan hartley
December 30, 2015
Bob Smith Sr.
December 30, 2015
Cynthia, and family, I share your sadness and Joy on Meadowlarks' passing
Sadness that we will not see his smile,
or hear his laughter for a while, but
Joy in knowing that where he is now, he would not want to come back.We were friends in FULL GOSPEL BUSINESS MEN.S FELLOWSHIP, and when I moved to Az. we were great golfing buddies. Know for sure that he is with his JESUS, and soon we will all be joining them again.
Love and blessings, Bob Sr.
rev.ronnie raven
December 30, 2015
rev.ronnie raven
December 30, 2015
dan hartley
December 30, 2015
dan hartley
December 30, 2015
my name is rev dan Hartley.a few months ago meadowlark and I,and also rev. Ronnie raven was priveledged to minister at a church in popular bluff mo.we were so much in a hurry that morning that I forgot my bible.i left it in the motel room.when we got to the church,and it was my turn to preach,i asked bro.meadowlark if I could use his bible to preach out of.his main bible.he said I could.it was a great service. that day.bro.meadowlark told me later, that morning that no other preacher,man or woman,had preached out of his bible but me.i was so amazed,thrilled,gracious to have heard him say that.he was one of my best friends.i loved him so.
Ian
December 30, 2015
The many stories you've shared. The generiousity of your time shall never be forgotten by me. Sending heartfelt support to the family at this time. And Dippy was proud to call you a friend.
Nathalie Killian
December 30, 2015
Back in the mid to late 70s I was a student at AE Beach high school in Savannah Ga.Russell Ellington was the boys basketball coach.he later went on to be the globetrotters coach.Meadowlark Lemon came and subbed for our math teacher one day.unfortunately I didn't have a clue who he was at the time.I was an army brat and had lived overseas most of my life.but,I do recall how engaging he was...rip Mr Lemon.
Wendi Brierley
December 30, 2015
Oh, I was so sad to hear of Meadowlark Lemon's passing away! Back in the 70s, the Harlem Globetrotters had a Saturday morning show that I watched every week. Meadowlark defined the Globetrotters. He made their craft look like ballet. I loved seeing clips of their playing other teams, knowing that the opposition was basically screwed from the start, and I mean that in a funny, good way. I have a son in his 20s who loves basketball. I told him that Meadowlark died, and while he didn't have the same depth of sorrow that I feel (because he wasn't as familiar with the Globetrotters as I was in the 70s), nevertheless he knows the name "Meadowlark Lemon". That shows the far reaching impact of this upstanding American hero. We need more role models like him. Rest in peace.
Rebecca Hicks
December 30, 2015
You will be missed, but not forgotten. Praying for your family and friends.
Earl Spencer
December 30, 2015
I met this great gentleman in 1997at the Crossroads church in Mississauga Ontario.
My wife and I were attending church there that morning and Mr. Lemon was the guest speaker.
After he had finished speaking I asked Reverend David Manes if I could meet
Mr. Lemon.
To my surprise, not only did I meet Meadowlark Lemon but he autographed my Bible as well. You will be truly missed
My sincere condolences to family and friends
STEVE YOUNG
December 30, 2015
Meadowlark Lemon love for basketball and joy of basketball that he would always show with laughter and the love for Jesus. Meadowlark is my childhood hero. I love the Harlem Globetrotters just the same. We will miss him but the great joy of watching Meadowlark play basketball with warm laughter and joy and loving Jesus. I will always remember about a great friend that we all have Meadowlark our friend. From STEVE YOUNG AND PATTY YOUNG IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND MEADOWLARK LEMON HARLEM GLOBETRTTERS FANS FOREVER.
December 30, 2015
Life in this world brings tears and pain when we loose a dear loved one. May the happy memories enjoyed and the love that was shown for God and others in that you made us smile be something that's remembered and cherished. May the comfort God provides help to comfort family and friends, now and in the coming days. I'm so sorry for your loss, and ours.
Rose Sloan
December 30, 2015
Eric M
December 30, 2015
Mr. Lemon sure enjoyed what he did in his lifetime, fulfilling a dream that he had as a young child. Few of us here on this earth accomplish goals like that in life. But he seemed to be a good, humble, genuine person who just loved life. To his family and friends, I pray that you all find tranquility while mourning your lost. Pray to God that He continues to be with you because he'd never forgotten the work Mr. Lemon did for Him (Hebrews 6:10). We look forward to the day when death will be no more and we will see our loved ones in Paradise.
The Greatest!
Ida Hodges
December 30, 2015
December 30, 2015
My condolences to the family. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. May our Lord Jesus Christ and his Father our God, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you firm during your grieving process.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
The King Family, Park Circle Subdivision
December 30, 2015
Thanks for sharing your loved one with the world. Meadowlark brought fun and joy to all. We all miss him. May the Lord give your family strength as you go thorough this difficult time. Let all the fun memories you shared bring you peace and joy until you meet again. God bless you.
Jeneva Thomas
December 30, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss
Bill Collins
December 30, 2015
Thanks for all the funny, no, hilarious on-court goofiness! You touched millions of lives and those who watched you play or heard your inspirational talks, were uniquely enriched.
Anita Brubaker
December 29, 2015
What memories are coming back to me re: seeing the Globetrotters when I was young. Thank you Meadowlark Lemon for all the joy you gave the world! God Bless you and your family.
December 29, 2015
My condolences to the Lemon family
May God bless your soul brother Meadowlark Lemon
SSG.(Ret) H.Vidro
Sayreville NJ
Toni Comer
December 29, 2015
Always loved watching you. Now may you can Rest In Peace.
(Isaiah 25:8) C. C.
December 29, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
December 29, 2015
To the Family of MeadowLark Lemon:
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I hope warm memories of him will help ease your pain. Always remember to rely on "the God of all comfort" who is able to heal your wounded heart. (2corin.1:3) He is a source of strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Thomas Family
Faith/rory Tobin/Dockett
December 29, 2015
Dear Lemon Family Rory and I would like to extend our condolences's on the loss of Meadowlark Family.I absolutely enjoyed the Harlem Globe Trotters.luv,Faith/rory
Marsha Collmar
December 29, 2015
Thank you for a lifetime of laughs, & inspiration.
Marsha Collmar
December 29, 2015
Born in '63,I grew up watching & idolizing the globetrotters & Meadowlark Lemon was one of my heroes, rating above my other heroes like Namath, etc. Even my mother loved this team & traveled out of state in '94 to see them! God bless & be w/his family @ this difficult time & know that this man will be missed by several generations in many families around the Globe. Sincerely, Marsha Collmar
Ac.Artis Cecil Hudson Sr
December 29, 2015
Thanks you, for touching so many people life and heart. With your God gift talent, a light on mountain cast much light, in the darkness. With sympathy and condolences family love ones, friends, associates and fans.Peace and prayers be unto you
Amelia Jackson
December 29, 2015
God bless the family at this time. RIP Cousin
Bill Gaudry
December 29, 2015
One the most talented American athletes that ever lived! May he rest in peace.
Bill Gaudry
December 29, 2015
One the most talented American athletes there ever was! Rest in peace.
matt
December 29, 2015
a legend has died. Your wizardry with a basket ball like no other.heartfelt condolences to his wife family friends.God Bless! Rip meadowlark
Lee Sherrill
December 29, 2015
I remember seeing the Globetrotters back in the 60s in while in high school in Delaware. They were a special treat and Meadowlark was the star. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
A true freind
Orson Guyton
December 29, 2015
Orson Guyton
December 29, 2015
PAT BOHANNON
December 29, 2015
I so enjoyed him during my childhood.My prayers to the family.
steven
December 29, 2015
When you think of the HGT YOU THINK OF MEADOWLARK A TRUE INSPIRATION.NO ONE COULD SPIN A BALL LIKE HIM.HE IS PLAYING ON HEAVENS TEAM NOW.TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY I SEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES! GOD BLESS M. L. REST IN PEACE!
Chris
December 29, 2015
I loved watching him play with the Globetrotters. He was very entertaining. My sympathies to the family. Rest in Peace Meadowlark Lemon.
Pamela Curry
December 29, 2015
The Globetrotters came to my hometown of Woodward, OK in the mid 60's and I remember watching them in fascination! I had a new autograph book at the time and think I got signatures of most of the players, including Meadowlark and Mrs. Meadowlark (as she signed it) at that time! Thrilling for a little girl! Sympathy to all the family.
Lisa Weiner
December 29, 2015
To meadowlark lemon,
You were a great basetball player for the Harlem globetrotters. My prayers go to your family& friends. Lisa Weiner
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