Feb. 24, 1928 - July 14, 2015

Mom was born in Clarendon, Texas, to John Elijah and Maybelle (Hall) Clemmons. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Lenora, Bonnie, Mary Lou and Viola; her brothers, Vernon, Vodie, Donny, Raymond and I.B.; her son, Dave and stepson Jerry. She was widowed by her loving husband, Robert, in 2003.

She is survived by her brother, Phillip Clemmons and sister Idell Lavella Ashley; her son, Roger and Mary Kirkendall; daughters Loree Kirkendall, and Sharman and Don Goodnature; stepsons Bobby, Claude and Steven; stepdaughter Deanna; 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Her family moved to Long Beach, Calif., in 1941 and her father and older brother Vodie worked in the shipyards to help with the war effort. A few years later they moved to Compton, Calif., where she attended and graduated from Lynwood High School. She worked as a switchboard telephone operator for Maybell Telephone Co. for a short time.

Her sister, Idell, has fond memories of her and mom singing and harmonizing the songs that were so popular during World War II as they washed dishes together.

Mom loved singing, dancing, drawing and writing. One of her greatest passions was music and we grew up with it in our home and we always danced and sang together.

Mom resided at LaCrosse in Coeur d'Alene for almost eight years and was loved by many there. She gave big smiles and would pat you on the hand or face to let you know she loved you. Thank you so much for all the years you cared for her. Not just the caregiving staff, everyone from the kitchen, laundry, office, etc. You all had special little things you would do for her and the family thanks you from our hearts for caring about her so much.

Mom died peacefully at Kootenai Health surrounded by her family.

We would like to thank all of the staff at Kootenai Health for helping mom and being so thoughtful and comforting to our family.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3825 N. Fruitland Lane, Coeur d'Alene.

Mom shared for much of her life the hope of living forever on a Paradise Earth. She shared this hope with others as long as she was physically able to do so.

We are inviting family and friends to a gathering after the service at 1724 Pennsylvania, Ave., Coeur d'Alene.