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Gwendell Clemmer Obituary

Gwendell Smith Clemmer

Merkel

Gwendell Smith Clemmer, died Saturday, February 23, 2013 at her home in Mulberry Canyon. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 27th at Merkel Church of Christ with Dick Still officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, directed by Starbuck Funeral Home.

Gwendell Smith Clemmer, the eldest of five children, was born to W.C. and Lorah (Branch) Smith in Abilene, Texas on June 30th. After living in Sealy, Big Spring and Austin, Texas the family returned to Abilene where Gwendell attended ACC Campus School, Central Ward Elementary School and graduated with honors from Abilene High School. Gwendell attended Abilene Christian College becoming ACC's first art major. While in college she worked in the college library and was a student assistant to Juanita Tittle in the art department. She was in the "W" Club and in the Art Club, serving as president her senior year. She was honored by having a solo exhibit and graduated with honors in 1942. She did graduate work at Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene Christian University, NTWU, Colorado Springs Art School and Boulder University. She was a member and past president of the Creative Art Club in Abilene and was presented in a solo exhibit by the club. Gwendell's father owned West Texas Floral Company and she also worked there for many years.

Gwendell married R.E. Clemmer, Jr. at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene January 17, 1953. They moved to the country (Mulberry Canyon) October 18, 1953. They made their home there from then to now farming and teaching. Gwendell and R.E. were active members of the Merkel Church of Christ. They worked with the 4-H Club and community activities. They were one of the couples responsible for organizing the Mulberry Canyon 4-H Club and served as adult leaders for many years.

Gwendell was a member of the Blue Bonnet Home Demonstration Club and secretary of the Mulberry Canyon Historical Committee. She was a life member of Texas State Teachers Association and a member of Abilene Retired Teachers and Texas Retired Teachers.

Gwendell started her teaching career in Abilene teaching art in the new North Junior High School now known as Franklin Middle School. Gwendell loved teaching. She taught at Divide School, Nolan, Texas until it consolidated with Blackwell and continued teaching there until she retired.

She received many awards including Nolan County Soil Conservation Teacher of the Year Award in 1978. After retiring, Gwendell continued her painting and became a partner with her daughter, Teresa Wheeler in Family Crafts. They were well known for their outstanding work at numerous craft shows. Eventually they had to discontinue their craft business because of Gwendell's health and Teresa's work load as farm manager. Gwendell continued painting at home. All of her children and grandchildren have received paintings from her and will cherish them for all times to come.

Survivors include her son, Mark Clemmer and wife Robin of Broxton, Georgia; her daughter, Teresa Wheeler and husband Robert of Abilene; daughter-in-law, Nancy Clemmer of Abilene; grandson, Robert Wheeler, Jr. and wife Fawn; granddaughters, Holly Moore and husband Andrea, Sandra Brooks and husband Michael all of Abilene, Kristi Alexander and husband Brad of Midland, Erin Clemmer of Brighton, Michigan and Jessica Clemmer of Broxton, Georgia; great grandchildren, Megan and Kali Wheeler, Taylor, Tyson and Taryn Moore, Abagael and Madisyn Brooks all of Abilene and Robert Alexander of Midland. Other family members, Dr. Elaine Smith and Amelia Smith both of College Station; Bob and Patsy Branch of Abilene, Anneita and Wayne Forrest of Hawley, Waldo Proffitt of Florida; Palm L. Finley of Irving, Charles Heard of Odessa, Joe Ann Clemmer and C.E. Clemmer both of Abilene, Verna Jo Gabbard of New Castle, Indiana, Chera Clemmer of Monahans, Reci Clemmer of Midland, Juanita Clemmer of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.E. Clemmer, Jr.; a son, Robert Smith Clemmer; two brothers, W.B. Smith and Dr. Sherrel Smith; one sister, Lora Dean Richey; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Smith; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. B.E. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Branch.

Memorials may be made to Church of Christ Kitchen Fund, P.O. Box 336, Merkel, TX 79536 or Christian Homes, 1202 Estates Dr., Abilene, TX 79602.

You may view and sign the online guestbook at www.starbuckfuneralhome.com.

Published by Abilene Reporter-News on Feb. 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

We will miss you greatly Gwendell. You were always kind to me and my family. I will miss you greatly.

John & Terri Davis

February 26, 2013

We are so sorry for the loss os a great teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Dean and Nancy

February 26, 2013

Gwendell was a very good friend for many years. A very faithful sister in Christ.
We will miss her.

Jim & JoAnn Doan

February 26, 2013

Sister Clemmer will be missed by all who's lives she touched. She was so very special and caring! Prayers for all! Tim and Nelda Walker

Nelda Walker

February 26, 2013

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