Freda M (Jemison) Kemp

            Freda Mae Kemp, 84, of Westland, died on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in St. Clair Hospital after a short illness, with her children by her side.

            She was born on December 22, 1939, in Westland, a daughter of the late Mariah “Dot” Jemison and Deacon David Jemison.

            Deaconess Kemp attended Hickory School.  She was also a graduate of Shiloh Bible Institute.  She worked at Mayview State Hospital for 25 years, having been promoted to a Psychiatric Aide II position before leaving. She also worked for TSA and her last job was at Three Rivers Youth in McMurray, PA.

            Deaconess Kemp was a member of ReNewed Destiny Kingdom Ministries (formerly First Baptist Church of Westland).  At RDK and FBC, she was well known for her graciousness, being a servant to many and her cooking skills – in particular her Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potatoes and Apple Pies.  As the head of the Mary and Martha Ministry, she was affectionately called First Mother and Queen Mother by church members.

            Deaconess Kemp was a member of a local gospel group of singers (The Peacemakers) and also sang with The Bynum Sisters who cut a record “And That Will Be Heaven For Me.”

            One of her children’s fondest memories of her was watching her dance with their father, Louis Kemp Sr.           

            In the days preceding her death, she said that the best times of her life were as a child playing with her siblings. Also, she loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports and run around.

            Born to the marriage with Louis Kemp, Sr. were five children:  Louis Raymond Kemp, Sr., of Westland, Valerie Ivery (Harold) of Canonsburg, Overseer Freda Thorpe (Eugene) of Cape Canaveral, FL, Commodore Perry Kemp of Duluth, GA and M. Elaine McCullough (David) of Charlotte, NC.

            Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, who called her “Gram”:  Michelle Hartzell, Ebony Williams, Perry Ivery (Julia), Jeremy Kemp (Bre), Joshua Kemp (Chelsy), Deanna Lucas (Maurice), Christopher Ivery (Tiffany), Jordan Clemons, Jermell McCullough (Demi), Cameron Kemp and Mariah Ivery.  Also surviving is one sister, Ann Graves (Alvin).  Gram has 21 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, and a hosts of cousins, nieces and nephews.

            In addition to her parents, also deceased is one daughter, Debbie Lynn; Sisters: Rose Marie Wallace, Mary Ella Kemp, Evangelist Frances Johnson; three brothers:  Joseph, David and Samuel Jemison and a grandson, Robby Clemons.

            Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342 and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in ReNewed Destiny Kingdom Ministries, 418 Westland Road, Westland, PA 15378, where services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Overseer Freda Thorpe. Interment will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg.

             Memorial contributions may be sent to Valerie Ivery, 3017 Brookstone Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15301.

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