Homer Lefew Lemaster, 1928 – 2005

Homer Lemaster was born in Martinsburg, W.Va., to Frank and Fannie Lemaster, the youngest of their 16 children. When his mother died six months after he was born, his aunt Cora helped with his care and often prayed as she rocked him that he would become a minister. Indeed, while still in high school, Homer did hear the voice of God calling him into His service. From that point on, Homer began that work and never looked back.

He earned his B.A. in English and Modern Languages from Emory and Henry College in Emory, Va. While there, he met and married Lorraine Snyder, who became his valued and beloved helpmate throughout his ministry. While at Emory, he often filled in at pulpits nearby. After graduation he spent two years at Drew University in New Jersey. There he served a two-point charge and nurtured many who kept up with him for the rest of his journey on this earth. His firstborn, Janice Lorraine, also joined them there. The family then moved to Stem, N.C., while Homer attended Duke University, and there served another two-point charge until his graduation in 1952. They then left to begin service with the Virginia Annual Conference, accompanied by daughter number two, Judy Ann.

His first appointment was at Beech Grove/Bethel in Virginia Beach. While there, he lovingly led his flock with the quiet strength and conviction of living a life of personal example that would characterize his ministry. Next, the family moved across "three little ridges" to Highland County where Homer served a five-point charge in the Staunton District. Whites Church in Rustburg in the Lynchburg District, was his first station. The next move was close by — Forest Road in Lynchburg. In 1969, they were moved back to the mountains — this time to Fishersville, again in the Staunton District. While there, Lorraine suffered an injury during the building of a new parsonage, and was paralyzed from the waist down. After 17 years at Fishersville, he moved to his own home in Stuarts Draft and served at the Greenville/Mint Spring Charge. His family was also increased by one again when Dorsey Bull and Judy were married in 1985. The Greenville/Mint Spring Charge eventually became two separate stations, and Homer stayed at Mint Spring until his retirement in 1992.

At that time he was busy helping care for Lorraine until her death in 1999. In 1995, he was named pastor emeritus by the Mint Spring Charge Conference. He remained an active member there right up until his death in September 2005. He taught his Sunday school class, and was working toward expanding the facilities as a member of the building committee. As in all his churches, loving relationships were established that are cherished by his family still today.

Throughout his life, he lived everything he believed and preached. "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" had been a favorite hymn of his since childhood, and it was evident in all he did that Homer walked daily with this special friend. Even as he lay ill, he sang with one of his nurses "Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before." We rest in the comfort of the lessons Homer taught, for we can know with certainty that he now lives in the beautiful joy of that constant sweetness.

— Judy Bull and Janice Lemaster