Scholarship Set Up to Keep Kemia McClellan’s Memory Alive
Kemia Monay McClellan, a high school senior at Bolivar Central High School (BCHS), had big dreams for her future. Sadly, the possibility for those dreams coming to fruition came to an end on Friday, October 27, 2023, when Kemia died at the tender age of 17 years old in an automobile accident due to a medical emergency. Despite the tragedy, Kemia’s family is determined to not let everything she embodied be forgotten and has lived every day since her death sharing her memory with the mantra “#Kemialivin”.
“I want Kemia to be remembered as a legend. She had very high hopes of being successful in hair and loved what she did. Kemia was like a young lady in an old woman’s body,” said Temeka “Meka” Woods, Kemia’s mother. “She loved going to church and dedicated her life to God. Kemia was a loving person and very positive to the community. I just want good memories with her family, friends, and loved ones to always be remembered.”
Kemia was entrepreneurial minded and planned to attend the Paul Mitchell Beauty School after graduating from BCHS in May 2024. She became a professional hair braider and entrepreneur at the age of 15, doing what she loved. Although Kemia was already running a successful business as a hair braider, she wanted to expand her knowledge of hair care. Woods noted how much Kemia loved being around family and especially her baby sister, Ta’Niya McClellan.
“It’s so many memories of Kemia that I could share but the one I’ll never forget is the bond she had with her sister, Ta’Niya. She was like her own child instead of a sibling. Kemia dedicated her leisure time to doing hair and had dreams of going to Atlanta to finish school at Paul Mitchell where she would reside and take her sister,” said Woods.
In the days before her funeral, an outpouring of love was shown by people in the community for the girl whose favorite colors were pink and blue, and who loved the song “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell. A student-led prayer vigil was held in the parking lot of BCHS, a balloon release was done at Sand Beach Lake in Bolivar, and a memorial cross display was set up on Highway 18 at the accident site. Kemia is being remembered by those who loved her and becoming known to those who never had the opportunity to meet the promising young girl who had so much to offer others.
“When I learned of Kemia’s passing and the tragedy surrounding it, I knew immediately I wanted to help the family and community somehow,” said City of Bolivar Councilman Chris Williams. “When I spoke to Kemia’s parents, Kevin (McClellan) and Meka, I expressed my interest in creating and funding a memorial scholarship in her name, and they were both very supportive and encouraging. I created the Kemia Monay McClellan Memorial Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of someone who meant so much to her family, friends, and this community. The outpouring of support and love shown to the McClellan family during their time of tragedy and heartbreak is one of the reasons why I’m proud to call Hardeman County home. While we may sometimes disagree on specific issues or topics, we come together as a community when it truly matters the most.”
Kemia’s funeral was held at BCHS on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Williams attended the funeral and was able to share about the scholarship and present a check for $1,000. When Williams ran for Bolivar City Council earlier this year, he made a commitment that if elected, he would not take a salary but instead reinvest it back into his community. The first $1,000 donated to the scholarship was money from his salary. Since the funeral, the scholarship amount has grown to $1,500.
“It was an honor to be part of the services for Kemia. When I walked into the gym, it was most evident how much she meant to her family, friends, and this community. When creating the Kemia Monay McClellan Memorial Scholarship, I wanted to ensure her memory and legacy would never be forgotten, and this scholarship ensures that it won’t,” said Williams, who hopes to see the scholarship amount grow to benefit as many students as possible. “The number of individual scholarships and the amounts will vary depending on the donations we receive between now and the spring. I appreciate Centennial Bank and its assistance during the process of setting up the scholarship. We will be able to start receiving donations by December 15.”
Woods shared what the scholarship means to her as well as how it makes her happy about Kemia’s legacy being maintained in such a positive manner.
“It means everything to me. It gives me a feeling I can’t explain. Kemia would be amazed because we’ve never seen anything like this happen and it’s different. Plus, it’s positive and a memory that will forever live on for my child. She was so loved and she didn’t even know how much,” said Woods.
Although the days have been difficult for Kemia’s family over the past few weeks, Woods believes Kemia is at peace and smiling down on them.
“As bad as it hurts, Kemia is in a better place and no longer has to suffer with diabetes. Thank God for sending us our own personal angel. She will always be here with us in spirit,” said Woods, who offered how people can help her family now. “Prayer is the only thing that can help us through this difficult time of need. I just want to thank the community for everything they have done for my family as well as my job, TKE family. I appreciate everything we couldn’t have did this without the help from you all.”
Woods realizes even more now how precious life is and how quickly everything can change in an instant. She wakes up each day seeking joy while missing Kemia.
“Get in a church, dedicate your time, and find you a church home so you can be as ready as Kemia was when she left this cruel world. Enjoy life and live it positively and try to love one another because we never know when our time will be. As a mother, the last time I seen my child was in traffic. She was so happy, Never did I imagine that would be the last time I would see her beautiful smile,” said Woods. “I would like to thank everyone for being with us during this difficult time of need. Thanks for all the love, support, cards, food, and most of all the time y’all took out to show up for my baby. We love y’all!”
About the Kemia Monay McClellan Memorial Scholarship
Purpose: The scholarship will provide direct financial support to seniors who embody the values and interests of Kemia. It will go towards undergraduate education, graduate school, and even trade schools of their choice.
Availability: The scholarship is only available at Bolivar Central High School for now, but with the community’s support and help, Williams hopes to expand it to Middleton High School for the 2024/2025 school year.
Eligibility: The eligibility requirements will be posted in January 2024, but it will be an essay-style submission on a topic that embodies Kemia’s spirit and who she was.
Want to Help?: An account is being set up at Centennial Bank in Bolivar, where donations can be made. When making a donation to the scholarship fund, advise the teller you are making a donation towards the Kemia Monay McClellan Memorial Scholarship.
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