Reta Louetta Ouilegh-Lemon, a pass GSU homecoming queen, died of heart complications on May 27 at 92 years old. Even though her complications were limited to bad valves, her friends and family said she lead a full, strong life. Quilegh-Lemon was born on May 17, 1916 in Rayna, and attended Arcadia Parish Training School.
After graduating from high school she attended what is now Grambling State University. The school was known as Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute.
While attending school Quilegh-Lemon was crowned homecoming queen in 1938, and was the third young lady to carry the title.
Her son John Lemon, 63, said, ” I assume this story would be difficult because most colleagues that knew her back then, she has out lived them all.”
After earning a certificate and in Rule Education she became a teacher in very remote areas in the Northern Louisiana.
“Mother is five feet and five inches with a petite frame but to me she reminded me of the earth cause she wore the weight of the world on her shoulders,” he said.
Reta Louetta Ouilegh-Lemon leaves one son, John Warren Lemon and a daughter-in-law, Ruth Lemon. She also leaves five grand children and two great-grand children.