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.
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18 Condolence(s)
Terry Hales
Friday, March 3, 2023
Prayers for Arlene's family. She was a staple in the lunchroom and loved the kids she served at County Line. She had a sweet smile and fun sense of humor, most especially at Halloween! Arlene's biker babe costume was the best. Heaven has gained an angel,
Barbette Smithson
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I will always remember Arlene from the County Line cafeteria. He always had a smile. She loved all of us at school and we loved her. Heaven gained an angel that will be greatly missed. Prayers for all the family.
Dian Bradley
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Arlis and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ronnie introduced me to your Mom at the store. She was a very sweet lady and thought the world of her kids , daughter in law and her grands.!
Mary Bryant
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I’m so sorry. Arlene was such a sweet person. I rarely saw her but she was very kind .
Joy Flynn
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
I'm so sad to hear of this.....Arlene was a sweet soul, always had a smile and a kind word. My prayers are with all her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Marlon and Janet Kanady
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
We are sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Susan Gattis
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Always enjoyed visiting with Arlene at school.She cared about the students and staff that she so graciously prepared meals for. My sympathy to her family.
Susan Gattis
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Always enjoyed visiting with Arlene at school.She cared about the students and staff that she so graciously prepared meals for. My sympathy to her family.
Lind’s Simon
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Arlene was a classmate, and I am truly saddened by her passing. My sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Kyra Frederick
Monday, February 27, 2023
I am so sad to hear of Arlene's passing. She was a wonderful cook at County Line. Prayers for her family.
Paula Hutchins
Monday, February 27, 2023
Arlene was a kind sweet lady and I enjoyed seeing and visiting with her at school. She loved and was so proud of her family. Deepest sympathy to James, Arlis and their dad. Thinking of you, Paula Hutchind
Jim and Michelle Everett
Monday, February 27, 2023
Arlis, Allene and Makayla we were saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and our thoughts too. We love you all so much and enjoy our friendship. May God bring you comfort in the coming months and years till you see your mom again.
Darline Kincannon
Monday, February 27, 2023
I haven't seen Arlene in years but remember her fondly from her time at County Line. Prayers for comfort for her family.
Glenda Watson
Monday, February 27, 2023
Arlene and I worked together many years. She loved her God, family , friends and job...in that order. I considered her a very good friend and will surely miss her. RIP Arlene.
judy mccartney
Monday, February 27, 2023
so sorry to hear of arlene's passing. I knew her in school and the lunch room at County Line.She was always nice and kind to me. Bobby and I will miss her. So sorry for her boys.
Carol Johnson
Monday, February 27, 2023
Arlene is and will always be a dear friend. Enjoyed our years of working together. I love you, Arlene; and I will miss you until we meet again. God, please, watch over and take care of my sweet friend, Arlene. Love Carol.
FERREL & LISA FREEMAN
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Arlis and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. FERRELL & LISA FREEMAN
Melba And Wayne Gray
Friday, February 24, 2023
Oh, my! We are so sorry for this loss! she was a good friend! Our prayers are with all the family and friends.