Phyllis Jean Kloecker Shemelya

Phyllis Jean Kloecker Shemelya, Tidewater Drive, Orlando, FL, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2017 at home with her family at her side after a short illness. She lived a life dedicated to helping people from all walks of life appreciate the value of a good education, health & wellness and public service. She was very active throughout her life dedicated to her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a teaching career spanning over 40 years here in Orlando and Lexington, KY. She was an avid tennis player, tennis coach and a great golfer! She was born in Lexington, KY and is predeceased by her parents John H. and Esther Kloecker, and her late husband of 57 years Edward Shemelya along with her sister JoAnn Griffin and her brother Jack H. Kloecker, Jr. She is survived by her four children, John Edward “Ed” (Reda) of London, KY; George Michael “Mike” (Jane) of Windermere; J. Alan of Orlando, FL; Mary Esther (Tip) Mitchell of Cullman, AL; and her grandchildren Wendi (Bill) Dizney, Jezami (Eric) Long; Shannon and Geoffrey Mitchell; Michael, Daniel, Bradley and Kalea Shemelya; four great-grandchildren Brailey, Brookz, Cruz and Oaklee, and a number of loving nieces and nephews. She is a graduate of Stephens College (Columbia, MO), University of Kentucky (Lexington) and New York University (NYC). A passion for teaching, she made it her career and started teaching at University High in Lexington eventually making her way to Valencia College back in 1968 and retiring in the 2000. She won numerous teaching awards throughout her career. Her infectious smile, personality, and wit won you over the minute you met her.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 24th from 1- 3 PM at Baldwin Fairchild – Lake Ivanhoe with Funeral Services immediately following at 3 PM. Burial will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park, FL. Condolences may be offered at www.baldwinfairchildivanhoe.com 407-898-8111