Lee M. Paramore

Lee M. Paramore danced his final dance on earth February 9, 2011, and is now dancing with the angels! Lee was born in Duncan, Oklahoma on March 12, 1922 to Willis R. and Alpha Mason Ray Paramore. Lee opened the John-Lee Dance Studio in 1943 and encouraged his students not only in the art of dance but also in the art of loving life and loving people. There was no one that Lee did not love, and there was no one who met Lee that did not love him. His love for his students literally changed lives. God's gift of dance to Lee was the instrument he used to change young lives ... he spread joy, love, fun, and laughter wherever he went. It is most appropriate to celebrate his life on Valentine's Day! Besides his dance studio in Oklahoma City, he opened a studio in Chickasha where he also touched lives, but none more than the students of Jane Brooks School of the Deaf. He built their confidence and esteem through successes in the studio and on stage that would contribute to them becoming successful people. They wish to convey their love and thanks to him. He taught them that deafness was not a limitation. Over 55 years ago, Lee helped organize the Oklahoma Dance Masters Association which brought teachers in from all over Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Louisiana to encourage each other and to share ideas. He retains their honorary title of Executive Director Emeritus. Lee was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty, having celebrated 62 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death were his brothers Floyd, Ed, and John, and his nephew Gary. He is survived by his brother Howard Ernest "Tiny" Paramore, nieces and nephews Cheryl Malone, Terry Paramore, Ron Paramore, Linda Skinner, Pam Chamberlain and their families. Also surviving are Lee and Betty's "chosen daughters," Sheila Talbot and Paula Glass and their families. We thank Epworth Villa Memory Care from the bottom of our hearts for the love, encouragement and compassion they showed Lee ... truly a blessing! We also want to thank Quality Care Hospice for helping Lee through the last months of his life.