Nora Kay Clemens

PIEDMONT — Nora Kay Roberts Clemens, 81, of Piedmont, formerly of Kirksville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington.

Nora Kay was born July 26, 1943, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Russell and Marjory Davis Roberts. She married Larry G. Clemens on Dec. 6, 1963, at First Christian Church in Kirksville, who survives.

Survivors in addition to Larry include Charles T. Clemens of Grain Valley, Christopher R. Clemens of Tullahoma, Tennessee, Craig A. Clemens of Kissimmee, Florida, and Marjory M. Grogg and husband, Jon, of O’Fallon; seven grandchildren, Valerie and Sarina of Florida, McKenzie of Nevada, Tyler and Mikahla of California, Jackson of Tennesse and Alexxis of Missouri; and five great-grandchildren. Other survivors are Russell and Nina Roberts of Springfield, three nieces, one nephew and numerous great-nieces and -nephews.

Nora Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Marjory and Russell Roberts; an infant sister; and her aunts and uncles.

"Kaye" graduated from Kirksville Senior High in 1961. She attended Missouri University for one year and then transferred to Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, where she met and dated Larry for two years before marriage. She resumed her college education after her family was well cared for; she was the consummate mother. She graduated NMSU with a Health, Safety and Environment degree in early childhood education in August 1973 and then a Master of Arts from NMSU in August 1978.

Achievements were plentiful and rewarding besides her endeavors at motherhood. She created and implemented Lutheran Church day care in Kirksville and Cape Girardeau before opening Cinnamon Bear Daycare, which existed for 12 years, providing care and teaching for 1,200 to 2,000 children, five to 10 staff members, three buildings, two transport vans and topped 100-plus students per day.

She became a Southeast Missouri State University staff member, teaching classes. She was a resource and workshop person for day care and child centers throughout counties in Southeast Missouri. She served on the board and was a contributor to Riverfest in Cape Girardeau. She volunteered in community and church organizations throughout her lifetime.

She originated and owned the Cinnamon Bear Antique and Flea Market business in Piedmont from 1998-2012.

"Kaye" assisted and chaperoned various cheerleading groups and was the self-appointed spirit leader of many sports teams in which her children participated. Kay’s hobbies consisted of oil painting numerous copper and brass items, old buttons and original craft items.

Her philosophy of life was "Imagination, creation and innovation".

She never greeted or met a child without kneeling down or getting to their level.

Public visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 12, followed by her funeral service at noon, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Tim Polley officiating. Interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501. Larry will match all memorial gifts to the church, up to $12,000, ending July 26, to be used toward costs of the church building renovation project.