Lillian Rose Clemons, 96, of Phoenix, AZ peacefully passed on to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of Saturday, August 6th, 2016. Lillian, known as “Mom” to her children, “Momma” to her grandchildren and “Momma” and “Dee Dee” to her great grandchildren, was born in Kentucky on June 19th, 1920. A coal miners daughter, she was one of ten children brought into this world by her father Jesse Smith and mother Mary Elizabeth Smith. On December 25th,1939, Lillian met her one true love Oscar Clemons at a Christmas party at Oscar’s Aunt Betty’s house in South Fork, Kentucky. Oscar loved to tell the story of how he looked across the room and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, knowing she would be the woman he would marry. On April 26, 1940, Oscar and Lillian eloped, walking 7 miles to the courthouse in Jackson, Kentucky to become husband and wife. After living in Tennessee and Akron, Ohio they settled in Arizona living in Scottsdale and the cool pines of Heber. Lillian is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years Oscar Clemons on May 9th, 2011, their only son Charles Glenn Clemons on May 26th, 1970 and son-in-law Ramon Melgoza on July 9th, 1995. She is survived by her three daughters, Elizabeth “Betty” Teille (Dell), Linda Surls (Ray), Alice Melgoza and daughter-in-law Linda Gail Clemons Vance (Jack). She has six grandchildren, Dale Teille (Tanya), Glenn Teille (Sherri), Brian Teille, Ramona Melgoza, Carlos Melgoza (April) and Adam Melgoza (Michaela). The Lord also blessed her with ten great grandchildren, Mercedes, Brianna, Sara, Sean, Preciosa, Logan, Isabella, Ashton, Leonna and Amelia. Lillian was a beautiful soul that devoted her life to God and her family. She loved yellow roses, Scrabble, crossword puzzles and her weekly tradition of eating fish with her daughters at Chase’s Diner. A viewing will be held on Wednesday August 10th from 5 to 7pm and a celebration of Lillian’s life will be held on Thursday August 11th at 1pm with a reception to follow.
I’m one of Betty’s clients. I did not know her mother, but Betty’s compassion and integrity show much about her parents. Even though Rose Clemons lived a long life, separation from one of the good ones always seems too soon, doesn’t it? My prayers are with you.
Thank you Pat for your words of comfort. God blessed our family by allowing Mom to live so 4 generations got to know and love her
As Grandchild # 1, I had a special relationship with Momma. She will always be my best friend. I look forward to the day I will see her, Pop, Uncle Charles, Uncle Ramon, Uncle Vic, and all of the family that has gone home. I just hope that there’s a good trout lake in Heaven for her.
I’m one of Betty’s clients. I did not know her mother, but Betty’s compassion and integrity show much about her parents. Even though Rose Clemons lived a long life, separation from one of the good ones always seems too soon, doesn’t it? My prayers are with you.
Thank you Pat for your words of comfort. God blessed our family by allowing Mom to live so 4 generations got to know and love her
As Grandchild # 1, I had a special relationship with Momma. She will always be my best friend. I look forward to the day I will see her, Pop, Uncle Charles, Uncle Ramon, Uncle Vic, and all of the family that has gone home. I just hope that there’s a good trout lake in Heaven for her.