Helen Clement

Helen Lewis Clement was born on January 30, 1927, in St. Michael, Pennsylvania. From her elementary school days, Helen was an active member of the Girl Scouts of America and participated in the Red Cross home nursing program. In high school, Helen discovered a love of journalism as editor of her school newspaper and yearbook.

She enjoyed swimming, tap and toe dancing, various sports, and the piano and clarinet.

In 1948, Helen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Pennsylvania State College from the department of journalism. Throughout her time there, she served on the senior board of the Daily Collegian newspaper, served as President of the Chi Omega Fraternity, did publicity for the Women’s Student Government, and was a member of the Penn State Riding Club. Her list of hobbies and extracurricular activities remained extensive.

After college, Helen completed the requirements for her teacher’s certification at the Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, New Jersey, in order to teach English, journalism, and social studies in the secondary schools of Pennsylvania. She remained active in school newspapers and on school boards for the next several years.

After teaching, Helen joined the United States Air Force, where she met the love of her life, Robert L. Clement, Jr. They married at Grace Presbyterian Church and were married 63 years before his death in 2017. She is survived by her three children: Jeanne M. Clement, Robert L. Clement, III (Carol) and Thomas L. T. Clement (Lea) and Grandchildren Laura Booras, Kathleen Perkins, Julia Meyers, Helen Clement, 1st Lt. R. Lebby Clement, IV, Chip Short, and Coleman Hawkins.

She was a member of the Charleston Junior League, The Carolina Assembly, The Gibbes Art Gallery Auxiliary (Museum of Art), and the Ladies Benevolent Society. But most of all, Nana was our family’s guiding light, serving as an inspiration to all of us with her kindness, generosity, and creative spirit. From weekends at Abbapoola to delicious dinners at Kiawah, she showed her love for her family every day. Her adventurous streak took her across the globe, and she shared all she learned from trips to India, Africa, and beyond. Our countless treasured memories of thoughtful gestures she made over the years are her legacy.

Her Graveside service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue at 2:00 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Kiawah Conservancy, 80 Kestrel Ct, Kiawah Island, SC 29455 or the Bishop Gadsden Staff Appreciation Fund, 1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412.