Gladys Marie Weems (Lemley)

Gladys Marie (Collinge) Weems (Lemley), 97, of Branson formerly Bonne Terre, left this life February 25, 2025, at her home surrounded by ones that loved her dearly. She was born February 5, 1928, in Emporia, KS, to the late Floyd and Edith (Scharenberg) Collinge. Gladys was one of five children.

Gladys married Bernell Weems December 11, 1948, and had four children, Stephen, Dennis, Sharon and David in Bonne Terre. During those years, Gladys was involved in several organizations, such as 4H, Cub Scouts, the Church of Christ and school activities. Once the kids reached high school and college age, Gladys and Bernell opened their home to young adults for Bible Study and mentoring to grow spiritually in a relationship with God. Gladys and Bernell were married 23 years until he died at a young age of 45, on May 19, 1972. 

After Bernell’s death, Gladys married F.L. Lemley on November 13, 1976. Gladys and F.L. remained in Bonne Terre for a few years where they continued their ministry. After several years, Gladys felt called by God to move to Branson. Gladys and F.L. bought a house on Table Rock Lake, where her mother Edith moved in with them. Gladys soon started a business, “Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast” in their home, which hosted people from all over the United States and often from other countries. Gladys was known for making all people feel welcome, loved, and part of an extended family. Her signature fresh ground wheat, homemade bread, pancakes, egg dishes, and fruit platters made the bed and breakfast very popular. With family style seating, she ensured good conversation by assuming everyone has a story to tell.

Gladys and F.L. were married 15 years when he passed December 22, 1991. Gladys continued to run the bed and breakfast until she was 90. It was not uncommon for her guests to make her their honorary mom or aunt, as she treated them like family.

In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her first husband, Bernell Weems; second husband, F.L. Lemley; two brothers, Kenneth Collinge and Clifford Collinge; two sisters, Audrey Singleton and Juanita Fleener; and son in-law, Larry Newberry.

She is survived by her four children, Stephen Weems and wife Shelby, Dennis Weems and wife Paula, Sharon Newberry, David Weems and wife Celeste; loving grandchildren, Jason Weems, Kayte Weems-Lowell, Kara Hertlein, Clayton Weems, Corbin Sawyer, Aaron Sawyer, Whitney Weems, Ryan Weems, Lindy Burrow, Dennis Newberry, Casey Montgomery, Aaron Montgomery, Jed Montgomery, Minda Siebert and Nathan Dow; several great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family members also survive. 

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, MO, Monday, March 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM. Dennis Weems will be officiating his mother’s service and the interment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials may be directed to Global Out pouring / Endtime Handmaidens https://globaloutpouring.org