Obituary of Jonnie Belle Clement

Jonnie Belle Clement passed away peacefully on May 7, 2022 surrounded by family and friends at her home in Mebane, NC.  She was born 96 years ago on May 7, 1926 in Roanoke Rapids NC as the 11th child to Hannibal and Pocahontas Shearin.  She graduated from William R. Davie High School in Roanoke Rapids, NC.  During World War II she worked as a teletype operator in Newport News at the Port of Embarkation and volunteered at the USO.  She was preceded in death by her husband Lou Clement.  She is survived by her children Jeannie Clement, Rosemarie Mallard (Alan), Maria Doebler (Steve), Frank Clement (Beth), and Regina Janeiro (Benny) and her 12 grandchildren Kim Reisig, Andy Mallard, Sarah Mallard Long, Steven Doebler, Patrick Doebler, Christina Doebler, Robert Doebler, Elliot Clement, Harrison Clement, Jake Janeiro, Andrew Janeiro, and Christopher Janeiro and 10 great grandchildren.  

Jonnie Belle was a truly amazing woman who, in her 96 years, touched and blessed the lives of everyone who knew her.  She was the glue that held our family together.  

She loved us well through her acts of service, whether it was with her talents behind her sewing machine, her culinary expertise in the kitchen, her love of music, travel, and adventure, or special time raising each of her grandchildren.  While joyfully and selflessly tending to the whole family’s needs, she always made room in her chair and her heart with the uncanny ability at that moment to make each one of us feel like the center of her world. 

She was so resilient, being born in the 20s and had so much wisdom and knowledge to share.  Her presence was palpable, as she brought joy and hope with her wherever she went.  We feel so blessed to have known such an amazing woman and are grateful for the wisdom and love she leaves behind.  Although she called New Jersey home for much of her life, her final chapter was spent back home in North Carolina with her oldest daughter, Jeannie.  They enjoyed frequent visits from family, good friends, good food, and a great appreciation for all the lord had blessed her with in her 96 years.  

A small memorial service in her honor will be held Wednesday, May 11 at 1 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 304 W Center St, Mebane, NC 27302.  Reception will follow immediately after at Lake Michael Clubhouse, 1001 Lake Michael Way, Mebane, NC 27302.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, PO. Box 2117  Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Walker's Funeral of Mebane is assisting the Clement family.