Jessica Colene (Miller) Clem (1972-2012)
CLEM, MILLER, HOPKINS, HOSTETTER, KEANE, SMITH, JOHNSTON
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/5/2012 at 11:06:41
From Bacon Funeral Home & Crematory obituary, Nevada and Maxwell, Story County, Iowa:
Jessica Clem
September 14, 1972 - June 26, 2012
Nevada, Iowa
Jessica Colene Miller Clem, 39, joined our Heavenly Father on June 26, 2012 at her home surrounded by family and friends. Her vibrant spirit, enthusiastic love of life, and sparkling smile imprinted the hearts of each life she touched. Jessica (or Jess as she was fondly referred to) embodied the very essence of living life to the fullest each day and was an inspiration and motivator to many.
With her gracious spirit, she was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Jessica was also a mentor, a life coach, and an eternal optimist always choosing to appreciate the many blessings that surrounded her.
She was born Jessica Colene Miller on September 14, 1972 in Nevada, IA to Malcolm and Nancy (Hopkins) Miller. From a very early age, it was clear that Jessica would never know a stranger. Her ability to make friends easily came naturally and all who crossed her path adored her. Family meant the most to Jessica, and as a young girl, she made many memories with them which often included a competitive card game of contract rummy to lively games of scrabble and more.
Jessica graduated from Ames High School in 1990, and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in 1994 from Iowa State University where she met her husband Patrick. She cherished her college memories as a Delta Zeta sister, and had continued to maintain life-long friendships with those from both alma maters. With such a loving soul and giving heart, she set out to help others by pursuing a lifelong career in the social services field. She worked for the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research (PROSPER) at Iowa State University. Always a giver, and never a taker, Jessica flourished within this career as she gave of her talents to those who were in need.
In August of 1998, Jessica married Patrick Clem and thereafter, the two enjoyed living in Colorado and traveling the world. Exploring new places led them on many an adventure to the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and most recently Tahiti making lifetime memories. However, they would finally make their forever home (referred to as God's Country), in the picturesque, nature filled countryside east of Nevada, IA.
Jessica's greatest accomplishment was becoming a mother to her only child and son, Carson Patrick. It was a miraculous blessing for her to have a child and her love for him radiated. The two were inseparable all the days of her life.
Jessica found joy in the simple things in life. The sun on her back, the gathering of friends and family, and the reassurance that God had a plan. Her passion was helping others and sharing her gift of humor even during life's challenges. She was a mentor to many who sought her advice, support, and wisdom regarding their own challenges with cancer. With her gracious touch, she was able to put others at ease in her presence and turn any gathering into an impromptu fun-filled event. Recently, Jessica held her own FUNeral where over $75,000 was raised for the Bliss Cancer Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA. Jessica took pleasure in enjoying the abundant wildlife and nature at their home with her two favorite people and seizing each day with wonder and excitement. She was fond of social gatherings, a lengthy novel, pedicures, the sand under her toes, ocean sunsets, cold MillerLite with friends, her TV "shows", laughing and dancing and bringing joy to all those who surrounded her.
Jessica is survived by her husband, Patrick Clem; their son: Carson, Nevada, IA; parents, Malcolm and Nancy (Hopkins) Miller; brother: Jason Miller, Ames, IA; grandmother Verlee Miller, Wayland, IA; father-in-law Gary (Sue) Clem and mother-in-law Sandra Hostetter, Nevada, IA; sissies, Holly (Dan) Keane, Conifer, CO and Jennifer (Mark) Smith, Nevada, IA; brother-in-law, Christian Clem and fiancé Melanie Johnston, Nevada, IA and many adoring nephews, as well as a close circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will greatly miss her presence in their every day. Jessica was admired for her strong will, her rare courage as she faced adversity, and her true faith in Jesus Christ.
Jessica is preceded in death by grandfather Kenneth Miller and grandparents Duane and Jeanne Hopkins.
Visitation will be 2:00-5:00 PM Sunday, July 1st at Saint Thomas Aquinas Ames, IA with a Scripture Service and sharing of memories at 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, July 2nd at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, Jessica asked that memorials may be made in her honor to the MGMC Foundation, 1111 Duff Ave. Ames, IA 50010 where her endowment will flourish for years to come in support for others at the Bliss Cancer Center.
The Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements.
http://baconfuneralhomes.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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