FOREVER 5TH DIMENSION

It is with great solemnity we report that LaMonte McLemore’s cherished mother, known warmly by all as “Mama June” has passed away peacefully at age 106. Mama June had remained the only surviving parent of the members of The Original 5th Dimension. Always beautifully groomed & attired, and wonderfully wise, LaMonte proudly shared in his memoir, “From Hobo Flats to The 5th Dimension,” and with many an interviewer: “Don’t let the homespun name fool you…my ever-glamorous Mama June’s memory is better than yours and mine, combined…she’s as sharp as a tack!” Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. expressed on the occasion of her centennial birthday: “Mama June is one of the true gems in our lives, she’s always been full of joy, love, and acceptance for all–a true treasure.” Florence LaRue made a special appearance at Mama June’s 105th birthday celebration in St. Louis delivering a prayer and song in her honor. LaMonte’s biographer, Robert-Allan Arno states: “Mama June possessed a warm godly light—not only coming from inside but surrounding her—that was simply breathtaking when in her presence.”

June McLemore (1914-2020) lived through many decades, eras, US presidents, and positive changes in Civil Rights. She always embraced a “can-do” spirit of diligence, grace, optimism, fairness, and inclusivity through it all, attributes that are reflected in the ethos of The 5th Dimension’s harmoniously uplifting hits like “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” and “Up-Up and Away.” The McLemore family states, “She was elated to witness our first Black president and lived to see our first Black woman, South Asian vice president-elect.”

Mama June is also survived by her daughter Joan and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Visitation and funeral services will be held privately in her hometown of St. Louis. The family thanks fans for their outpouring of sympathetic sentiments on Mr. McLemore’s Facebook page.

With appreciation to the publications: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch,” “Soul Tracks,” and “Backbeat R & B Magazine” for their special tributes to Mama June.

Mama June’s presence will be greatly missed, yet “Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” —Robert-Allan Arno for LaMonte McLemore