Michael Thomas Jemison

Michael Thomas Jemison (age 72). Michael was born on April 6th, 1953 in New Orleans, LA and passed away at home on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025. His parents were Maurice Francis Jemison II and Elsie Mae Richard Jemison. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lydia Ziegler Jemison, and three children: Kyle, Stefanie, and Rachel. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Melody, his sister, Marilyn, and brother Mark. Michael’s second brother, Maurice “Reese” Jemison III, preceded him in death. Michael served in the United States Air Force and the Louisiana Air National Guard. After his service, he received a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology and later a master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction, both from the University of New Orleans. He began his career in medical research, working on breast cancer, stem cell and laser refractive treatments at the Tulane Medical Center, VA Hospital and LSU Eye Center. After receiving an alternative certification in teaching, Michael taught high school science for 27 years in Jefferson Parish. Teaching gave Michael the joy of helping students learn science, and allowed him to spend summers with his children. Michael was a devoted husband and father and a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction, especially war novels. He loved a hot cup of tea.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 in the Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am and a funeral mass will take place at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow mass at the Westlawn Cemetery located at 1225 Whitney Avenue, Terrytown, LA. The family invites you to share fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com