On Monday, June 23, 2025, Jesus opened heaven's doors for Joe "J.W." Clemons, age 95, after 18 months of loving compassionate care from Hillcrest Home in Harrison, Arkansas.

Psalms 116:15 says: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants."

J.W. was a faithful servant, as well as, a husband, daddy, grandpa, papa, teacher, superintendent of schools, deacon, Sunday school director, neighbor and a friend, but if you asked him, he would have said: "I'm a farmer." He could fix anything. He saved every nut, bolt, nail, piece of wire or rope. He said: "When I was growing up that could mean the difference of whether you or your neighbor could put in a crop."

J.W. was the son of Claude Clemons and Esther (Passmore) Clemons. He had one sister, Bernelle Clemons (Owens). He was born January 15, 1930 in Dongola, Arkansas.

The night he was born, he and his mother were in the bed next to the woodstove. The family had stored fruit jars under the bed, and it was so cold that night that the fruit jars froze and burst. The way he came into the world was the way he went out: Tough.

J.W. and his dad Claude paid $400 for their house by hunting and selling furs in just one winter.

He said: "We were poor, but we didn't know it. We always had food and clothes and a roof over our heads, but no money. We lived off the land, grew what we needed and shared with others who didn't have as much as we had."

He started school at Dongola, graduated from Snowball High School in Searcy County with a total of 6 students. After high school JW attended ATU in Russellville for two years, became a teacher, coach, and superintendent for 33 years in 5 districts.

Early in his teaching career he was introduced to Jo Ella Watts. After 6 short months of dating, they were married, and JW sold his best coon dog to buy Jo Ella's engagement and wedding rings. He and his wife Jo Ella served a combined 70 years in education. The lives touched by their service was immeasurable.

J.W. & Jo Ella had two daughters: Paula Inman and Mitzi Peronia; two grandsons: James (J.D.) Peronia wife: Jessica, and great granddaughter Jade Peronia; and Levi Peronia.

J.W.'s life spoke louder than his words. His nephew Tim Cooper said it best when he said: "Everyone should have a depression era dad."

J.W. wasn't a sentimental man but there was no doubt that he loved you. He was a patient teacher whether it was in the classroom, on the farm, or in life.

Funeral service is Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.  Pastor Tim Cooper will officiate.  Burial will follow at Marshall Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers are James Peronia, Levi Peronia, Webster Watts, Joey Kelley, Tony Madle, and Roy Connell.  Honorary pallbearers include David Thomason and Wayne Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, AR 72601.