Dawnia Lee Clements

Dawnia Lee Clements (Cox), loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on October 23, 2025 in Anchorage, AK at the age of 90. She was born in Monet, MO to Clifford and Faye Cox (Downs), and raised mainly in Colorado. Active in the Methodist Church, Dawnia completed her BA at Southwestern in TX where she was elected "Miss Southwestern" based on service.

Dawnia met beloved husband Ray while pursuing a graduate degree in Denver. They married in 1958 and had three children in Sag Harbor, NY and Washington, D.C. where Dawnia worked in social services and Ray as a United Methodist pastor and university, international student advisor. They shared exciting days contributing to the civil rights movement, desegregation of schools and protest of the Vietnam War.

The Clements' moved to Anchorage in 1979, where Dawnia served for 23 yrs as the State Director of the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, engaging seniors in assisting children with special needs and supporting other seniors to live independently. She grew the programs from a handful of volunteers to over 500 serving in 50+ communities statewide. Dawnia was a staunch advocate for seniors, founder of AnchorRIDES, the Mary Conrad Center, and the Ship Creek Salmon Derby (as a fund-raiser) and served on many local and national boards.

Dawnia dearly loved her family and especially being a grandmother. She delighted many with her keen wit, wisdom, sparkling eyes and ability to uplift those around her. She dazzled us with her great storytelling and joyful, jazzy organ music! Her intrinsic beauty inside and out gifted everyone whose company she graced with warmth, compassion and kindness. Dawnia is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ray, children Deb, Cathie and Ken Clements, son-in-law Jay Hermanson, grandchildren Eli and Isaac Hermanson and Coddy Clements, nieces, nephews and many loving friends.

At Dawnia’s request, donations in her honor can be made towards the construction of a bench to improve handicap accessibility at an Anchorage park.Tax deductible donations for the bench can be made through St. John United Methodist Church:

https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/e64de6cd-3176-4bb8-b8a4-8f31f6df8781

Using the drop-down menu under “Fund,” please scroll down to the bottom to select “Memorial – Dawnia Clements."

Thank you!