Chloe Lemon

On December 1,1939 Alvin and Grace Iten welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Chloe Donna. Their home in a suburb of St. Louis was just one block from their Christ centered church–Chatham Bible Church. Chloe grew up in the loving care of a Bible focused congregation where she and her siblings found The Lord as young children. Her mother, Grace Iten, was a gifted teacher of children and women while her father, Alvin, was a long time member of the church leadership. Chloe’s singing talent became her special area of ministry.

Chloe and her siblings, Jan and Alvin, were all very athletic, so they and their cousins were very involved in church league competitions. They also became a significant part of their college society sports teams at Bob Jones University. For two sisters to compete with each other as to who could hit the most home runs in a softball game, certainly deserves an asterisk in the record book.

Music during her college years probably got as much if not more attention than her studies as an elementary education major. Besides a society trio, she was in church choir, concert chorale, and several operas. She served in the leadership of her society and intersociety council where she met her husband to be, Larry Lemon. Chloe and Larry were married 60 years as of June 1, 2023.

As a couple they ministered for just over 20 years to the college and career classes. Although Larry was the teacher, Chloe was a caring mom to the young ladies in these classes. Young ladies recently out on their own need a godly older woman to challenge and council them. Many a written note of gratefulness made it to her mailbox. Because of her insight and Godly wisdom, she also fulfilled the role of a matchmaker for both the men and the women.

Chloe has always been a person looked up to as a leader and teacher of women. For a number of years she served as one of the ladies’ Bible study teachers at Heritage Bible Church. After several years in that role she started her own Bible study in her home. This was in part because she wanted to reach ladies outside of the church congregation. Most of the time there were 25 or more in the group with 3 or 4 “outsiders.” At one time there were two catholic ladies, but there was never any solid proof that either found the Lord as Savior.

One of Chloe’s greatest joys was her own children. Mike and Ann Michelle remember countless hours spent playing, working, and learning with their mom. Chloe easily expressed her love to them and she was constantly telling them how proud she was of them. Her example was one of the most significant reasons they were led to Christ and choose godly life mates, Ariel and Bruce.

Chloe could probably be identified as a deprived grandmother, until Ann Michelle and her husband Bruce adopted two precious girls from China. It was wonderful to see such Grandma joy over those young ladies. Children have always been drawn to Chloe like a magnet and so it was with Katie and Cai En. For several years Chloe and Cai En talked on the phone for around an hour 3 or 4 days a week. Another example of her kid magnetism would be her popularity as a substitute teacher at Bob Jones Elementary school. Just the sight of her walking down the hall generated excitement among the young students. Her hand puppet, Freddy, always went with her to the delight of those excited kids.

Prov. 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.