Molly Lou Clem's Obituary
Molly Lou Clem (née Shell), born on December 8, 1929, in Rising Elevator, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, in Ormond Beach, Florida. She was the cherished daughter of Wayne Virgil Shell and Anna M. (Fitzsimmons) Shell. Molly was preceded in death by her beloved parents and her dear sisters, Peggy Shell Prahl and Dolores Shell Smith.
Molly's early life was marked by a remarkable story of her grandmother crawling under a train that was blocking the road to assist in her birth. Raised on a farm near Champaign, Illinois, Molly was known for her tireless work ethic. She milked cows daily, rode horses, and helped her family with their livestock and crops. She attended a one-room schoolhouse where her Aunt Fanny was her teacher.
A talented cook, Molly's homemade meatloaf, yeast rolls, cookies, casseroles, and pies were cherished by all who had the pleasure of tasting them. She found joy in fishing trips to Canada with her husband and sons, where they fished for Walleye and Northern Pike.
Molly and her late husband, James “Jim” Harvey Clem, operated a farm in Champaign, Illinois, before moving to Merritt Island, Florida, where they owned and operated a Dairy Queen together. Molly's career also included roles at an IGA grocery store in Champaign, managing multiple Jiffy Stores and Dairy Queens, and leading the Deli department at a Winn Dixie. She eventually retired from the City of Daytona Beach, Florida, where she was recognized for her innovative software contributions.
Molly's greatest love was for God and her family. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. In her retirement, she enjoyed the company of her poodles, sewing, cooking, and tending to a 5-acre yard. Molly was one of the kindest and sweetest people you would ever meet.
Molly was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Harvey Clem, who passed away in 2007, and her sons, Steven Wayne Clem, who passed away in 2013, and Bruce Allen Clem, who passed away in 2021. She is survived by her son, James Kent Clem, and his wife, Trudie Clem. She leaves behind grandchildren Angela (Clem) Winstead (married to Jody Winstead), Shelly (Clem) Henderson (married to Dale Henderson), Brian Clem (married to Natalie Clem), and Mandie (Clem) Fain (married to Cody Fain), and great-grandchildren Brittany Shelton, Marley Winstead, Megan Winstead, Gabriel Clem, Haley Henderson, Nora Clem, Caleb Araujo, Mateo Araujo, and Mariana Araujo.
Molly Lou Clem's legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
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