Mabel Marie Kemp

Mabel Marie Redden Kemp was born in Shive, Texas to Forrest Winston and Mary Alice Shipp Redden on October 6, 1921. She passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Sunset Home in Clifton at the age of 102.

Mabel attended Union School and completed her 12th year at Hamilton. On January 18, 1941 she was united in marriage to Rufus Lesley Kemp in Hamilton. In 1944, R.L. joined the Navy and while stationed in California, Mabel left her two children with her parents and three sisters and hitched a ride to California in the back seat of a car caring for their baby while the baby's parents drove straight through to California. Mabel spent several months working in California and visiting with R.L. before he was shipped out. After his discharge they moved to Meridian in 1950 where R.L. worked for the Texas Highway Department for 42 years. Mabel worked at the Armour Turkey Plant in Meridian and spent a number of years working for Oldham's, William's and Hall's Dry Goods Stores in downtown Meridian. They were blessed with three children, Roger Alan, Glenda Gail and Sandra Kay and spent many fun hours watching them participate in school and sports activities.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, husband R.L., son Roger, grandson Kyle Lesley Kemp, who passed at the age of 7, son-in-law Curtis Myrl Allen, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Kay Redden and three sisters, Mary Donelson and husband Seth, Doris Love and husband Travis and Evelyn Darling. She was the last surviving sibling in her family. She is survived by her daughters, Glenda and Sandra and daughter-in-law Cathy Kemp, six grandchildren, Brett (Kimberly) Kemp, Troy (Mara) Kemp, Brad (Jessica) Allen, Corey Allen, Chad (Allison) Smith and Kelly Smith, eleven great grandchildren, Riley Kemp, Reece Kemp, Kyle Kemp, Mason (Chelsea) Allen, Madi (Jonah) Johnson, Jaydin, Jayci and Kaylin Campbell, Hudson Smith, Claire Smith, Graham Smith, and three great-great grandchildren, Margot Johnson and Emma and Sutton Allen, brother-in-law Thomas Glenn (Kathleen) Darling, four nieces and five nephews.

Mabel was one of the oldest members of First Baptist Church, joining with her family in May 1953. A loyal, devoted, and caring Mother who loved her family, loved her work and loved her God. In honor of her favorite color, the family will be wearing red.

Funeral services will be Monday, February 5 at 1 pm under the direction of Lawson Funeral Home with visitation from noon to 1 pm prior to the service at First Baptist Church, 207 N Hill in Meridian.  Burial will follow at the Meridian Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Brett and Troy Kemp, Brad and Corey Allen and Chad and Kelly Smith.

Memorials may be made to Bosque County Veterans Memorial, PO Box 19 Meridian, 76665;

Meridian Cemetery Association, PO Box 205 Meridian, 76665; Meridian VFD, PO Box 722 Meridian, 76665 or charity of one's choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.