of Branch, AR

November 3, 1947 - February 24, 2023

Frances Arlene Clem (1947-2023)

After several months of failing health, Frances Arlene (Knight) Clem of Branch, Arkansas died on Friday, February 24, 2023 she was 75. She was born on November 3, 1947 in Scranton, Arkansas. Arlene (as she preferred to be called) moved as a young child with her parents to Corona, California. At 6 years old, she tragically lost both her mother and father. Subsequently, her grandparents took custody of her and her 2-year-old brother, John, and relocated them back to Paris, Arkansas. She attended Paris High School and graduated in 1964. In December of that same year, she married her husband of 58 years, Donald Lee Clem, from Branch.

Arlene was perhaps best known for her 38-year career as a cook at the County Line School cafeteria. From her start in 1974 to retirement in 2012, she faithfully and diligently fed hungry school children across multiple generations, including her two sons. After retirement, she enjoyed attending craft shows, collecting numerous quilts and bunny-themed home decorations, and spending time with her family especially her granddaughter. She was a long time member of Branch 1st Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arlis and Oma Jean Knight, her grandparents and guardians, John and Julia Knight, and her brother, John Knight. She leaves behind her husband, Donald, two sons, Arlis and James, daughter-in-law Allene, and granddaughter and her husband, Makayla and Preston Piper. She was a loving, devoted, and kind woman, and she will be sorely missed by those who called her wife, mom, and friend.

The family would like to thank the staff of Greenhurst nursing home in Charleston for their loving concern and care in her last days.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3rd, 2023 from 5-7 PM, with the funeral the following day March 4th at 10:00 AM. Both will be held at Roller Funeral Home in Paris, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Dale Knight, Kenny Cameron, Griffin Frederick, Gary Enrique, Wendall Johnson, and Reggie Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be County Line School cooks past and present.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com