Family, councilman create a scholarship in daughter’s honor

BOLIVAR, Tenn. – One family is dealing with the tragic loss of their daughter by helping others.

We spoke with the family and friends of Bolivar Central student Kemia McClellan, a student who tragically passed away earlier this year.

During her senior year at Bolivar Central, Kemia McClellan was involved in a fatal car wreck last October due to a medical condition.

“She went into a diabetic coma. She was like five minutes from home. She was trying to get home to her meds, you know, and she didn’t make it,” said Temeka Woods, Kemia McClellan’s mother.

A diabetic since age 12, Kemia McClellan was beloved by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her. They described her as always friendly, respectful, happy, outgoing, and loving.

“I mean she was just the type of person that you would want to be around. I’m talking about no matter what was going on. Her mood, if you were mad, she could turn you into the happiest person around. All around she was just a nice girl,” said Kevin McClellan, Kemia McClellan’s father.

Kemia McClellan’s parents said after graduation she had a very bright future ahead of her.

“She did hair, you know. She’s been doing hair since she was 12. She was going to go to Paul-Mitchell soon as she graduated and she was going to take her sister with her. And I mean she already had everything planned out. She would have graduated next year,” said Temeka Woods.

Months later her family is still dealing with the tragedy and trying to process the loss.

“It’s hard. Every day is a different feeling. Every day I cry, but I try to, you know, deal with it,” said Temeka Woods.

“It’s a pain that I would never wish on nobody because it hurts. It hurts a lot,” said Kevin McClellan.

The family wants to remember Kemia McClellan in a way that benefits the community. They, along with city Councilman Christopher Williams, have created a scholarship in Kemia McClellan’s honor.

“To me it was a way to keep Kemia’s memory alive, her legacy going, and something to build on for years and years to come,” Williams said.

Through community and family donations and money from Councilman Williams’ salary. 

They have raised nearly $3,000 for the scholarship fund for seniors in the Bolivar area.

If you want to donate to the Kemia Monay McClellan Scholarship Fund, you can do so by visiting the Centennial Bank in Bolivar.

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