Yola Kemp

Yola Elizabeth Kemp was born in Hopwood, PA on September 20, 1918 to the late Ella and Lawrence P. Thomas She was baptized at an early age in the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and loved signing in the choir. She was educated in the public school Oliphant Furnace and George's Township High School. On February 12, 1942, Yola married Bennett Kemp from Pittsburgh, PA and to this union was born two children Bennetta and Byron. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her love for children extended to child care of Shari, Alexis, Alicia and Lauren. "They were her fountain of youth." She enjoyed planning, preparing, entertaining and hosting gourmet dinner parties. She loved surprising her guest with a special new jello mold. Over the 50 plus years of her membership at St. James, she was a member of many ministries at St. James AME Church. They included; Senior Choir, Lydia A. Lowry Missionary Society, Church School and was a founding member of the Pro-To Ministry. Yola was an avid reader and loved planting in the garden and traveling. On Friday, November 18, 2016, Yola departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior. Preceding her in death was her husband, Bennett, son, Byron (Biff) Kemp and sister, Viola Harris. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter; Bennetta (Bunnie) Kemp, two sisters; Julia Williams, Betty Bost, a brother, George Harris (Ernestine), God-daughter, Jessica (Rainey) Hicks; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.