Clem Diana Lawrence

Clem Diana Gunnell Lawrence passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 8, 2018, and has now joined a greater family.  It is a sad day here, however we know she was met with hugs and is now surrounded by those who went before her.  Clem was born June 22, 1926, and continued to live in the special town of Mount Airy.  She had six brothers and sisters.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank (Mr. Albert F.); her brother, Raymond Gunnell; and her sister, Lillian Gunnell.  Clem and Frank are survived by their daughters, Sheila Edmondson of Asheboro, Dianne Koch (Tom), and Susan McGowan of Mount Airy.  Clem is also survived by her sisters, Anice Graham of Ocala, Florida, and Bettie Leonard and Fannie Weddle of Mount Airy; her brother, Gary Gunnell of California; and her sister-in-law, Norman Lawrence.  Clem retired from Central Telephone Company.  She did not have a wall filled with diplomas, however she was one of the smartest women you could have met.  If she did not know how to do something, she would find a way.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, sewing, crocheting, eating a bowl of ice cream with Papa, seeing her friends at Mount Airy Friends Meeting, eating sweets, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  When we think of her in Heaven, we know she’s eating a piece of her delicious pound cakes.  To this day, her recipes are used and shared.  Clem and Frank’s home was always open.  The number of feet that were welcomed in their home over the years greatly exceeded the square footage of the house.  Clem’s arms were always open to friends and family.  She was a loving mother to her daughters and the best “Mimi” to her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  She was always ready to pick them up at school if they were sick, and had treats ready for them at her house.  Two wonderful things about her were that she cherished her family being around her dinner table at home and especially on our family beach trips.  She loved going on walks along the beach, gathering shells, and even at time huge pieces of driftwood to bring home to her garden.  When in either place, a smile never left her face.  She knew what to say to a friend in need.  She said her prayers, helped her neighbors, and always took food to those in need.  And she was, above all else, kind.  Clem would want to thank all those who held her hands and helped her as her last years became more difficult.  She knew you loved her.  A special thanks goes out to the dear friends and staff at Surry Community Health and Rehabilitation and to the angels at Mountain Valley Hospice.  Truly, if she could have, she would have baked you a cake!  Family and friends will receive visitors at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Saturday, November 17, 2018, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM.  A service to celebrate her life will be held at Mount Airy Friends Meeting at 2:00 the same day with David Lawrence and Jon Cawley officiating.  Please consider, in lieu of flowers, making a donation to Mount Airy Friends Meeting, 109 West Wilson Street, Mount Airy, NC  27030; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC  27030.