From the halls and classrooms of St. Landry Parish schools to the state capitol, Clifton “Bro” Lemelle Sr. was a pivotal figure.
Three educators, including his son, Chad Lemelle, principal of Eunice Junior High School, remember Lemelle who died on Feb. 3. He was 85.
Lemelle graduated as salutatorian from Eunice’s Charles Drew High in 1955. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Grambling and a masters of education from Southern University in 1970 and masters +30 in 1972. He also studied at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana Lafayette.
Lemelle’s obituary stated he had a 37-year career in education as teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, acting principal and coordinator.
His other affiliations in education included president of the J.K. Haynes Foundation and Legal Defense Fund Inc.; president of the Child Development Council of Acadiana; chairman of the St. Landry Parish Bi-Racial Committee; and chairman of the St. Landry Parish Education Association.
Lemelle also was chairman of the St. Landry Parish NAACP Education and Executive Committee; vice president of the State of Louisiana Commission on Human Rights; and president of Grambling University National Alumni Association.
His son, Chad, recalls, “... he was heavily involved in activities centered around teaching and civil rights, which also took him away from home. However, his presence was still felt at home and he made sure that we understood his expectations and there was never a morning when he didn’t cook us breakfast before he left on whatever mission he had on that day’s agenda.”
Chad Lemelle stated, “It is no coincidence that two of his children pursued careers in education because he set forth such a noble example that we didn’t mind following. His actions showed us that educating children didn’t stop at 3 p.m. or even after practice. He would bring students home from school and for many years some of his students lived with us. The respect that he gave his students and parents and how that respect was reciprocated would leave any and everyone awestruck. Due to this, our educational mantra has been about focusing on students and how to help others.”
Mary Ellen Donatto, a St. Landry Parish School Board member and retired principal, stated, “Since my entire career has been spent working as an educator – and continues to be so – my comments about Mr. Clifton ‘Bro’ Lemelle will be from that perspective.
“Mr. Lemelle brought our nation and our world home to us in Eunice and St. Landry Parish, especially as it relates to racial equality and justice for all. He was our own ‘reach out and touch’ hero.
“He led by example. There can be no denying that he practiced what he preached. And having been an educator by profession, he possessed the ability to clearly articulate the past, present, and the likely future, in a manner that enticed citizens to follow, at best or take note, at least.
“Many citizens hope to leave a legacy, to impact those coming behind them. This is especially true of teachers. We want our students to grow up and contribute to society in a manner that makes life better for everyone, not just for themselves and those closest to them. In my opinion, and that of many others, Mr. Lemelle wanted that and he achieved it. He set that example for younger citizens. They might not do it ‘how’ he did it, but they will do it ‘because’ he did it. And they will do it because he clarified the importance of the God-given rights of every citizen to be treated with respect and equality.”
Albert Hayes Jr., also a St. Landry Parish School Board member and retired educator, wrote in an email:
“Iconic. Evangelical, Insurrectionary.
“Today icons are defined by one word names everybody knows. Often those names are not on birth certificates. From Eunice to the state capital the name “Bro” was recognized without further identification.
“Bro was a great spiritual vocalist and prayed many fervent prayers as a deacon at New Zion Baptist Church. As a representative for J.K. Haynes he provided legal help for educators and support personnel.
“Like John Lewis, Bro was often in ‘good trouble,’ willing to help organize and be at the front of worthy causes. We thank Clifton Lemelle Sr. For his contributions to education in St. Landry Parish as a teacher, coach and administrator.”
Chad Lemelle stated, “He instilled in each of us the importance of family and that, as siblings, we should always be there for each other. He taught us the importance of laughter — he often said that ‘it was good for the soul.’ As Kipling stated, he wanted us to be able to walk with kings but not lose the common touch.”
The funeral service for Lemelle was held Feb. 6 at New Zion Baptist Church in Eunice. Interment will be in the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings
