Shirley Clements

1926 - 2023

Shirley Clements (née Edwards), beloved wife of the late Harold Clements, went 'home for Christmas' on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in Taber at the age of 97 years. It is with broken but joyful hearts, we announce that she was able to finally be reunited with her beloved husband (after fifty long years of waiting for him), her two daughters and many others.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barnwell Chapel on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Barnwell Cemetery.

Mom was born April 18, 1926, in Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia, fifth child of Percy Robert Edwards and Irene Elizabeth Gladys Chown. As a young child, she spent much time with her grandma and grandpa Chown. By the time she was eight, she was needed to help at home, so she moved back to Shaw's Creek to be with her mom and dad and all her brothers and sisters (nine by then and two more on the way). Her brothers were merciless teasers, but she adored all her siblings. They were a large, poor family and the great depression followed by the war years were hard on everyone. They thrived on hard work and love for each other.

A move to Paterson allowed her to meet the Clements girls who just happened to have an older brother, Harold. That was the beginning of a love story that led to their marriage, the arrival of Faye, Christine and Wendy and finally a son, Bruce. Bruce was only a few months old when they made the move that brought them to Canada. After arriving in Barnwell, two more sons, Barry and Bryan joined their family. Except for one brief time in Diamond City, Barnwell has been her beloved home ever since. Here they raised their family, worked, played, laughed and cried, and here they were supported and loved by family and so many dear, dear friends.

Mom's greatest joy was to be a mother and grandmother, but she served as Barnwell Post Mistress for many years, then as the first Administrator of the Village of Barnwell. Serving was her passion, especially serving her family, and the Lord. She served in many church positions, including a Family History Mission from her home when she was eighty four years old. She loved family history, teaching (especially the youth), the temple and doing anything she could to be of service. When she could no longer leave her home, she spent countless hours writing notes of encouragement to anyone she felt needed a lift. She adored every one of her family, and never stopped teaching them of her faith in and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. No one left her door without first being treated with knowledge they were loved and every child (big or small) was offered a treat from her cupboard.

Shirley is survived by her children Christine (Keith) Moline, Bruce (Shellee) Clements, Barry (Brenda) Clements and Bryan Clements; son-in-law Ric (Kathy) Bateman; a beloved posterity of 147 who called her grandma Shirley; sister Betty LeBaron; sisters-in-law Yvonne Edwards and Edie Lawrence as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved eternal companion Harold; daughters Faye Clements and Wendy Bateman; parents Percy and Irene Edwards; siblings Elsie, George, Bob, Irene, Marcie, Ray, Carolyn, Clarence, Sam and Lucye.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, please take your family to dinner or do something special with them this Christmas season.

Our family would like to thank every person who came to visit her - and especially those dear, dear friends who cared for her so lovingly in her last years as well as the doctors and nurses who cared so kindly for her in her last days.