She was born October 30, 1930, in Booneville, Arkansas to parents C.B. Curry and Laye Lee Allen Curry. In 1948 she married Emmitt Mason Clem, and were married for 53 years prior to his passing in 2001. She was the youngest of 4 children. Preceded in death were her parents, her brothers Allen Curry and C.B. Curry Jr, sister Virginia Brown Rae, in addition to her in-laws Eva Mae and E.M. Clem Sr.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Carolyn and Steve Bettley of Allen. Her 3 grandchildren:
Dori and Scott Baker, McKinney, Kent Bettley, Allen, Dede Bettley and James Brown, Allen. Her 6 Great Grandchildren Mallory and Cole Baker, Brecklyn and Brooks Bettley, Madison and Daniel Madrid. Other survivors include her nieces and nephews Caren Curry Little Rock Arkansas, Brian and Holly Curry Little Rock Arkansas, Terry and Denise Brown Heath Texas, Elizabeth and David Corley Booneville Arkansas, including several great nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Plano since 1955. Plano Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Mother Advisor of Plano Rainbow Chapter, Plano Good Sam Travel Club, Past President Plano Business and Professional Women. She was the first woman to serve on the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission and worked at the Plano Star Courier.
Her life was spent working with Brownie and Girl Scouts, watching from the stands at the Band Marching contests and football games when her husband was the Plano High School Band Director, fishing and traveling with her husband in their RV. They especially enjoyed their summers spent in Colorado and specifically Lake City Colorado. She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren when they were growing up by picking them up from school and taking them for ice cream. She started a tradition with her grandchildren by letting them open a gift on Christmas Eve which were their Christmas pajamas. As her grandchildren got older this tradition changed to the "greats".
She helped establish the Republican Party in Collin County and actively worked 55 plus years to guide, support, with a never wavering belief in the Republican party. She promoted better government and encouraged quality candidates to run for office on the Republican ballot. She also encouraged young people to become involved in the political system. She was Senatorial District Committee Woman. Served on the Texas Federation of Republican Women (TFRW) and District Director, Vice President in charge of membership and past President of Conner Harrington Republican Women's Club (CHWC). Throughout her life she held elections, worked in DC, attended many political activities and functions. She was CHWC first recipient of the TFRW "Ten Outstanding Women Award". Inspiring and encouraging the next generation was her delight and each year she presented the "Dixie Clem Award" to the individual she felt most qualified. Her greatest achievement was awarded to her on October 15, 2021- in recognition of her longstanding service and leadership, The Legacy Leadership Award presented by the Texas Federation of Republican Women. Her wish is to Keep Collin County Red
A memorial service honoring Dixie will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2022 at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas.
Donations in Dixie's honor may be made to the Alzheimers Association, St Jude Hospital, or your charity of choice.
Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.
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