Otelia Lawrence Selmore

Otelia Lawrence Selmore November 23, 1923 - April 10, 2018 Otelia Lawrence Selmore passed away peacefully on April 10, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born Otelia Lawrence on November 23, 1923 in Fort Myers Florida, and was the only child of the late Willie Mallord and Herbert Lawrence. She received her early education in the Lee County school system and at the age of thirteen moved to Jacksonville, Florida to attend the Edward Waters Boarding School for Girls. While attending Edward Waters she acquired the nickname “Baby” because she cried so hard after her mother dropped her off at school. She graduated high school from Edward Waters in 1940 and was accepted to the Grady Municipal Training School of Nursing for Black Nurses in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1945, Mrs. Otelia Selmore graduated from the Grady School of Nursing and continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Migratory Labor Hospital in Belle Glade, Florida, the Veterans Hospital in Oteen, North Carolina, and the Visiting Nurses Association in Trenton, New Jersey. She also worked with the Metropolitan and John Hancock insurance companies. She later relocated back to her home state of Florida where she worked with the Lee County Health Department. In 1954, she met Damon E. Selmore of St. Augustine, Florida and in February of 1955 they were married. In May of the following year their first child, Kenneth L. Selmore, was welcomed into the family; five years later a daughter, Kimberly A. Selmore, was born. To her children, she was their moral and emotional rock, a mother whose love and support knew no limits. Her sharp mind, loving spirit and caring heart made her an exceptional nurse and after a career that spanned 48 years, she retired from the St. Johns County Health Department in 1986, where she served thirty-five dutiful years. She is considered one of the pioneers of the medical delivery system in St. John’s county. Mrs. Otelia Selmore was a life long member of St. Paul AME Church where she was an active member on the Usher Board and the Advisory Committee. She enjoyed her final days at her residence in St. Augustine spending time with loved ones. She is survived by her son, Mr. Kenneth L. Selmore, St. Augustine, Florida; her daughter, Ms. Kimberly A. Selmore, Esq., Miami, Florida; two granddaughters, Ms. Elissa J. Selmore of Hyattsville, Maryland and Ms. Rachel E. Selmore of Alliance, Ohio; and two great grandsons, Kadin and Asher. Family: Mrs. Sandra Fluitt, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth & Jacqueline Allen, Ms. Joyce Russaw, Ms. Victoria Floyd, Ms. Beverly Selmore, Mr. & Mrs. William & Tina Battle II, Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Tina Selmore, Mr. Kenneth Allen, II, Ms. Danielle Chase, Ms. Kavonna Allen, Mr. & Mrs. Joel & Nicole Johnson and son Mark, Ms. Vera and Mr. Simon Selmore, Ms. Lois Bryant, Mrs. Vera Haugabrooks, Mr. & Mrs. Harold & Marvia Simmons and Ms. Della Bryant. Extended Family: Mrs. Lillie Belle Swain & family, Chestine Bell, Mrs. Patricia Wright, Mrs. Barabara Anderson & family, Mr. Albert Manning & family, Mr. Arbester Slater & family, Reverend Israel & family, and many others. Although her absence from this world will be felt by all who loved and knew her, her memory and grace will forever be remembered. "Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 16th, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Reverend Ron Rawls, St Paul AME Church, officiating. Visiting hours will be Sunday, April 15th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at St. Johns Funeral Home.