Joan Kay Clemons

Joan Kay Clemons, daughter of the late Clarence Kelly and Cecil Margret (McKamey) Farris, was born April 3, 1933 in Kingsport, Tennessee. Joan grew up in Kingsport until the age of 10 when she and the family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II. Joan moved to Sanford, Florida while in the ninth grade of school and stayed until the end of her junior year of high school. Joan and her family moved back to Kingsport and she graduated from Sullivan High School in June 1951. On Christmas night 1952 at the local skating rink, Joan met the love of her life, Dock Clemons. They were united in marriage on July 18, 1953 in Kingsport, Tennessee. They shared over 44 years of marriage together before Dock preceded her in death on May 18, 1998. Joan and Dock were blessed with four children: Sylvia, David, Jo Ann and Penny. Shortly after their first child, Sylvia was born, Dock reenlisted in the United States Army and according to Joan “that was the beginning of a wonderful life as an Army wife”. They were stationed in Germany three times, once at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia; once at Ft. Lewis, Washington; and twice at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1977, Dock retired and they built a home in Waynesville, Missouri. Joan was a hardworking woman and took great pride in helping to provide for her family. After settling in the Waynesville area, she began working for the Waynesville R-VI School District where she served as secretary for several years. While Dock served in the military, Joan was very active in the military community. She was a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Wives Club, the Army Chapel Sunday School programs, Youth Activity programs, The Army Community Service and the PTA where her children attended school. She was also very involved in Girls Scouts of America for many years. At an early age, Joan made a profession of faith and was a member of the Crocker Christian Church. Joan went home to be with her Lord Saturday, May 10, 2014 in her home having attained the age of 81 years. Joan leaves to cherish her memory, her four children: Sylvia Perry (Bob) of Waynesville, MO, David Clemons (Katrina) of Copperas Cove, TX, JoAnn McGrath of Waynesville, MO and Penny Wells (Jimmy) of Crocker, MO; seven grandchildren: Michael McGrath (Summer), Heather Marshall (Chris), Megan McGrath, Tyler Wells (Ali), Kyle Wells (Kristen), Trevor Clemons-Valdez and Baylee Clemons; one great grandchild: Colin McGrath; half-sister: Betsie; brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws and their families: Charles Clemmons, Opal Jones, Louise McCormick, Pearlie Price and Bobby Clemons; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Joan summed up her life in a letter to her children….”I have had a great life and feel I’ve been a good person. Dock and I raised four wonderful children and God gave us great grandchildren. I feel I have done what God told us to do ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ It will be good to see and be with Dock again.” Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Larry Richardson officiating. The songs “In the Garden”, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace” were played. Serving as escorts were Michael McGrath, Trevor Clemons-Valdez, Tyler Wells, Chris Marshall, Kyle Wells and Donnie Ramirez. Serving as honorary escorts were Walter Perry, Heather Marshall, Megan McGrath, Baylee Clemons, Ali Wells, Kristen Wells, Thea Munch-Soedward, Colin McGrath and Summer McGrath. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Joan Kay Clemons

April 3, 1933 - May 10, 2014