ALMA L. HEMBREE

 Alma L. Hembree, 97, of Portage and formerly of Coloma passed away, with her loved ones close by her side, on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at the Beacon Health-Kalamazoo Hospital.

 Alma was born in Hornersville, Missouri, on Aug. 16, 1928, to Ira and Cora Pankey. At a young age she moved to southwest Michigan where she spent most of her life. She married her husband, Thomas Hembree Jr. in 1951. He preceded her in death in 1979. Together they had 28 years of marriage and three great children.

 Alma was a homemaker but also worked at Coloma Growers and Tru-Point in Coloma. She enjoyed crafting and looking at craft magazines to find home decorating ideas. She loved to go shopping, especially at thrift stores. But most of all, she enjoyed and loved being with her children and grandchildren.

 She is survived by her children; Steve Hembree of Harrison, MI, Greg (Kelly) Hembree of Big Rapids, MI, and Krisa Vanmeter of Portage, MI, her beloved brother Ira “Carel” Pankey of Benton Harbor, her grandchildren; Seth Hembree, Amber Mangione, Lacey Borstler, Jessicca Sommer, and Jason Sherk, and her six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

 At Alma’s request, there will not be a visitation at the funeral home. Graveside services celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 22, at the Coloma Cemetery with Dale Mentor officiating. Memorials may be made to the Beacon Health-Kalamazoo Hospital where Alma had the best possible care. Arrangements are by the Florin Funeral Service. Please share memories or messages at www.florin.net.