In memory of

Michelle Renee Lemming

Apr 8, 1974
Nov 14, 2018

Obituary

Michelle Renee Lemming was born in Harare, Zimbabwe formerly named Salisbury, Rhodesia. She was born on April 8th, 1974 to Bridget Turner and Clive Lemming at Princess Margaret Hospital. She was a beautiful tiny baby, with gorgeous, brown eyes and dark hair. She was raised by her grandmother, Violet Lemming. In her early years, she loved growing up around her uncles, aunts, cousins and doting on her ailing Dad in Zimbabwe. Christmas 1983, at the age of 9, she immigrated to Salem, Oregon in the United States with Violet. She not only saw her first snowfall, but got stranded in it in our huge, navy blue Mirada! She took it all in her stride and thought it rather fascinating! As a young student, at Morningside Elementary she was driven to achieve the best grades. Michelle continued her successful school years at Judson Middle School, going on to and graduating from Sprague High School. She then graduated with her Bachelor’s degree at Western Oregon State University. This led to her employment with the federally funded program, Family Building Blocks. This is where she felt most fulfilled and enjoyed helping families with young children grow, learn and prosper. Michelle was deeply affected by the death of Violet and soon after left the Building Blocks program. Michelle was reunited with her biological Mom, Bridget, and found great joy in knowing she had other siblings with whom she kept in touch. She tried to find her niche in life, but struggled with depression, which steadily worsened over the years and manifested into mental illness. She continued to communicate with her state-side aunts and uncles and with the help of modern technology her family abroad.

At home with the Lord now and at peace, she leaves her loving family: The Coxes, Lemmings (in the US and Zimbabwe), Wedertz, and Coles families. In the UK, she is survived by her mother and step-father, the Apples, Rollos and Turners families along with friends here and across the globe.

She was truly loved. She will always be missed.

Please feel free to pass your condolences or post of her Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers or any donations, the family is asking you to give to mental health foundations in your area.

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Anonymous says:

    Your beautiful spirit shined brightly on earth as I'm sure it does in heaven.

  2. Sheldon Wyngard says:

    Michelle, ma belle
    These are words that go together well. I always thought of you when I heard that song growing up. What comes to mind vividly is the picnic we had at Lake Mac and I hurt you on the see-saw. Holiday in Nynaga.

    Rest in peace. You will forever be fondly remembered.

  3. Angie Peterson Michael says:

    You always lit up a room and we flocked around your kind heart, gentle soul, loving personality, your smile was contagious, your hugs I have missed since junior high and high school. Rest peacefully now Angel.
    We will miss you. You will never be forgotten

  4. Jamie Brasington says:

    I was happy to get to know her, and I will not let her story be forgotten. It truly broke my heart to hear she had passed, and I miss her a lot. I know she is at peace now and that is what is important in the end. When I think of her is see her smiling face, and I will remember the good days. She helped a lot of people, and they will never forget her either.

  5. Christian Szoke says:

    Sad to see her gone. She was very passionate and good hearted. May she have the peace and comfort she always wanted. She will be missed. May God bless her and her family during this time.

  6. Aaron benson says:

    Michelle Was a wonderful Beautiful smile that lit up the room very curious about life or tenderness her smile personality was someone We love her she always will be in my thoughts in my heart And on my mind she will be sadly missed we love you Michelle

  7. Aunt Sheila Williams and family UK says:

    So sad to lose Michelle she kept in touch with the family will be missed by us all. Deepest sympathies to Bridget, all family and friends. MHDSRIP

  8. Sheena Lemming says:

    Michelle, gone to soon. Sadly Junaid and I never got to meet you, but you will
    always be fondly remembered by us all. fly high with the angels.

  9. Cherie A Bradshaw says:

    I love & miss you Michelle. It was so fun having you as my roommate
    You helped me learn to live on my own a bit & made life not so lonely
    God bless you & your family

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    May she rest in peace. Thank you for your trust.

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