Hazel Elizabeth McGowan Clem

June 9, 1940 - December 22, 2012

Obituary

Hazel McGowan Clem, 72 of Trumann passed away Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents; Vernon and Thelma Birdsell McGowan; five brothers: Rubin, Harrison, Charles, Ralph and Edward; one sister: Louise. She is survived by her husband, Eddie Wayne Clem of Trumann and one son, Keith Clem of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, one brother, Vernon McGowan Jr., of Hernando, Miss., and one sister, Bertha McGowan of Bono, Ark. Mrs. Clem graduated from Central High School in 1958. She received a BSE Degree from Arkansas State University in 1962 with a Business Education and English Certification. She received an MSE Degree from Arkansas State University in 1966. She began her teaching career teaching freshman English at ASU. She taught 30 more years in the Trumann Public Schools teaching business education, English, and yearbook. She sponsored the yearbook for 15 years and received the dedication in 1976. She obtained numerous more college hours from Henderson State University and Arkansas State University because she was working in vocational education. She co-sponsored FBLA and served on the THS Business Education Advisory Board. Mrs. Clem was voted Most Patient, Friendliest, and Most Courteous teacher by her students in 1974. Later, she was voted by her peers as the second Most Outstanding Trumann High School teacher. Mrs. Clem was a member of Pi Omega Pi, Delta Pi Epsilon, AEA, NEA, PCEA, TCTA, DKG, and PTA. She served in all offices of Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and was the president twice; once in 1974-76 and in 1992-94. She was secretary of the PTA in 1966-67, vice president of PCEA in 1973-1974 and president in 1975-76. She was a member of the Trumann Health and Rehab Advisory Council and served as the secretary in the 1990

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Guest Book

"I had Mrs. Clem for my junior english. She was a sweet and patient teacher with all the students.

Debbie Renaud, Bandera, TX

January 16, 2013

"We love you Aunt Hazel. Enjoy your new life.

Lawanda McGowan Reynolds & James Borden, Hernando, MS

January 15, 2013

"I am sorry for your loss. I knew Ms. Clem from school (class of 1987) and while working at Trumann Nursing Home. She was a wonderful teacher and person. I have great memories of her. I will be praying for your family. Jessica Price Womble

Jessica Womble, Jonesboro

January 9, 2013

"I am very sadden to learn of the death of Mrs. Clem. I remember having her in shorthand class. She was very caring, understanding and soft spoken. She was one of my favorite teachers at THS. I know that my life was blessed by her influence. My sympathy to Mr. Clem and her family.

Carol Coats Caldwell, Brookland, AR

January 2, 2013

"Our love, prayers, and sympathy are extended to you Eddie Wayne and Keith. Hazel impacted so many people in her life and she will continue as the example of a Caring Christian Life. She will be sorely missed. Love.... Oleta & Bob Birondo....Ronnie & Stella Dunavin....Dobey & Billie Gray

Stella Dunavin, Monette AR

December 31, 2012

"May God be with you at this sad time.

Barb Layton ,

December 27, 2012

"I remember Mrs. Clem with only fond memories. She was one of my favorite teachers and later a special friend. She always had time for everyone who need a helping hand and made you feel better for having known her. She will be greatly missed but remembered for her friendliness, her compassion for life.

Thyla and Jerry Popejoy, Trumann, AR.

December 25, 2012

"Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Tammy Medley Collier, Lake City, AR

December 25, 2012

"To the Clem family: when I think of Mrs Clem I am reminded of her soft voice and easy smile. She made all her students seem as if they were the most important person to her at that moment. Mrs Clem you will be missed, but I look forward to rejoicing with you in Heaven some day!Susan Hendrix Thompson

Susan Thompson, Colt, AR

December 25, 2012

"To Mrs. Clem's family,I would like to express my sympathy in hearing of the passing of Mrs. Clem. She was one of my favorite teachers in high school. May God be with you all at this time and comfort you as only He can. Debby (Cromwell) Watson

DEBBY WATSON, United States

December 24, 2012

"Dear Keith and Mr. Clem: I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Hazel's passing. She was one of the kindest people I ever knew, and it was a joy being in her classes. I know Daddy enjoyed working with her on the THS yearbooks all those years. I always found it curious, yet sweet that she always called him Mr. Dorton, when they were both adults. That's just how thoughtful and respectful she was. She will always be held fondly in my memories.

Denise Dorton, Little Rock

December 24, 2012

"When I was a student of Mrs. Clem I will have to say she was not only very kind to the students but a true professional to her vocation. With all honesty she was one of my all time favorite teachers that I ever had. Mrs. Clem was a wonderful educator but a very kind woman. I'm sure she will be truly missed. May God be with her Family.

Sid Johnston, McKinney Tx

December 24, 2012

"I was so sadden to hear about Mrs. Clem death. When I was in High School many years ago since 2013 will be 40 years out it was a long time ago, she lived down the road from my family and we did not have a way to school so she let us three oldest ride to school with her. Also she has taughted me and several of my siblings at the Trumann School. We all thought a lot of her. My mother who is gone now told me that when my younger brother was born in 1972 she brought her a lot of Keith's clothes she had kept from when he was a baby and gave them to mom for my brother. I as well as a lot of people will miss this kind lady. God Bless her husband and son in their grief. Gone but not forgotten she will be.

Shirley McClaughlin Redd, Jonesboro, AR

December 23, 2012