Clarissa L. Flemons

is honored with a Large Paver from Margie A. Flemons, daughter and Doris Gene Flemons Tomlin, daughter, deceased

Clarissa L. Flemons graduated from high school in a small Oklahoma town and eventually came to WSU in the late 1960's, not as a student, but as an employee. She worked in the foods department and served many a hungry student who came through her line at Grace Wilkie Hall and later at the CAC (as the Rhatigan Student Center was called back then). And although she was not a professor or have a degree, by example, she taught a class on courage, strength, determination, and goodness every day of the year, each year of her life.

She came from humble beginnings. She had a determination and a tremendous capacity for hard work that she undoubtedly learned from her mother, Lucille, and from the Great Depression and World War II Era-a time in our nation's history that demanded that these things be learned. It was commonplace for my mom to work two jobs and I have known her to have worked three to keep the family afloat. She eventually went into real estate buying and fixing up houses and renting them out.

Mom believed it was important to get an education. Her resolve, along with her encouragement and steadfast love gave me and others an opportunity to come to WSU as students and to leave with as graduates. I wish that those who read this and those who now enter the halls of this university and who occupy its classrooms, cafeterias, and offices could have met my mom. Her spirit is still here, however, whispering encouragement and words of wisdom-still nourishing hungry souls; as irrepressible in death, as she was in life.

Mom was a beautiful person. She had a kind heart and a loving spirit. I would thank her for all that she had done and for all that she was. Through the Plaza of Heroines, I would like to thank her again. She was among the best of His people and the best of moms. She was my best friend and my hero. Through her quiet determination, ready smile, and gentle spirit, she became an inspiration to all who knew her.

This is being presented in honor of my mother, Clarissa L. Flemons ("Sweet" as my grandmother used to call her) and my grandmother, Lucille ("Mama Lucy" as we used to cal her) who are forever loved.

Honored by Margie A. Flemons, daughter and granddaughter
and
Doris Gene Flemons Tomlin, daughter and granddaughter, deceased, who I know would have been pleased to honor Mama and Mama Lucy in this way.