Margaret J. S. Clem
Margaret Jane "Nane" Smith Clem, age 95, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026.
Nane was born on Sept. 7, 1930, in McGehee, Arkansas, to James Moses and Jennie Lee Maier Smith. A gifted student from an early age, she graduated from high school at 16 years old. She attended Arkansas A & M College before earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ouachita Baptist College at the age of 19. She later received a Master's Degree in English from Henderson State Teachers College.
Education was both Nane's profession and passion. During her teaching career, she taught in the Fountain Lake School District for nine years and also taught in Humphrey, Bono and Dermott. She inspired countless students through her love of learning.
Nane was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, where she faithfully participated in the life of the congregation for many years.
Alongside her husband, Richard "Dick" Clem, Nane owned and operated Peters Paint Company. While many people look forward to retirement, Nane never fully embraced it. Although she attempted retirement several times, she was simply too valuable to stay away for long and was often called back to work. She finally retired for good at the remarkable age of 93.
Nane was also an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time on the course with family and friends. She sank her final putt in March of this year, a fitting conclusion to one of her favorite pastimes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Moses and Jennie Lee Maier Smith; her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Clem; her brothers, Robert Smith, James Neill Smith and Freddie Smith; and her sisters-in-law, Carolyn Smith and Barbara Smith.
She is survived by her sons, Neill Clem (Shari) and Brooks Clem (Nan), both of Hot Springs, and her sister-in-law, Delma Smith of Pittsburgh, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Matt Clem (Zazi) of Brandywine, West Virginia; Jennie McWright (Shane) of Fayetteville, Georgia; Ryn Lynch (Tyler) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Elliot Clem of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Kyle Clem (Elizabeth) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Stephen Clem (Beth-Ann) of Springdale, Arkansas; and Jon Clem (Jamie) of Benton, Arkansas.
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Yurai, Thuga, Anya, Garin, and Thane Clem of West Virginia; Savannah, Annalyse, and Tucker Howard of Georgia; India Clem of Hot Springs; and Jace, Jensen and Jaxon Clem of Benton.
In her carefully prepared "hitting the road" folder, Nane left instructions that both her obituary and graveside service should be "short and sweet" — just like she was. While it may be impossible to fully capture 95 remarkable years in a few paragraphs, those who knew her will remember a life well defined by purpose, faith, education, hard work, family, friendship and a quiet strength that touched generations.
The family celebrates a life well lived and finds comfort in the many memories she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901, or Arkansas Children's Hospital.
A reception honoring her life will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, at First United Methodist Church in the Christian Life Center.
A private service for family will precede the reception.
The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available athttp://www.GrossFuneralHome.com.
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