Page 2 - Clement Memorial Program

Obituary
Audrey Eileen Clement, was born on June 8, 1962, in San Diego California, to the late Robert Franklin and late Willie Joyce Nelson. Audrey was surrounded by family as she went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Audrey was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was a proud graduate of Northside High School (The Grizzlies).
After graduation, Audrey enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to Charleston Air Force, South Carolina, Osan AB, Korea and her final assignment was Langley AFB, Virginia where she served until 1996. No matter the location, Audrey found ways to stay actively involved at every assigned base and made it her mission to advocate for the less fortunate. She was a member of the Osan AB Gospel choir, Committee member for the Langley AFB African American Heritage Committee and was requested to emcee several civic events and Air Force Base fashion shows. As a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the military, Audrey found her passion to counsel, mentor and encourage others, but her sweet spot was for young women. She provided invaluable guidance to many who mention her encouragement being the catalyst needed for them to change for the better.
Of all the milestones and sights seen during her career, Audrey’s most memorable sighting was at Osan AB because that is where she met Ryan Clement, who she often referred to as the love of her life. Ryan and Audrey married in 1995 and raised two beautiful children, Kimberly and Ryan. After faithfully serving her country and once settled in Hampton VA., Audrey decided to depart the military. In her new role as wife, mother and civilian, Audrey, embarked upon a new career path in one of the largest companies in the skin care and cosmetic industry-Mary Kay. Never to turn down a challenge, Audrey surpassed her peers and became a company car driving Mary Kay Director. After a successful run with Mary Kay, Audrey became a mortgage officer and as always, she used her position as an opportunity to provide guidance, counsel, and encourage young adult couples.
Audrey eventually stepped away from the workforce to pursue her education and successfully graduated cum laude from St. Leo University in 2015. Equipped with her degree and specialized certifications in mental health counseling, Audrey re-entered the workforce ready to do more of what she loved-counsel children and young adults as they acquired critical life skills. Whether you knew Audrey well or was just meeting her, you knew she was a genuine person. She never met a stranger and always lent her ears to listen and never failed to encourage others.
Audrey accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very young age. She actively served at several churches during her military career. She was an active member at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newport News VA., for 30 years, under the late Pastor Rev. Dr. Walter R. Dean. While at Ebenezer, she participated and assumed various roles in the choir, drama ministry, Seed Time & Harvest, new member’s class, pastoral care, hospitality and greeter’s ministry. During the past year, Audrey sought out and became a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church – East End family, led by Pastor Brenda Gooch. Audrey, always making an impact participated in the women’s and pastoral care ministries for as long as her health allowed.
Audrey was preceded in death by her daughter Jamie, father Robert Franklin and mother Willie Nelson. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Ryan Clement, daughter Kimberly Clement, son Ryan Clement II; stepmother Phyllis Franklin; sisters Valarie Franklin, Danielle Franklin, Millicent Madison; sister in love Denise Tucker; brothers Gerry Seals (Carla) and Deron Franklin (Bonnie); nephew and nieces Chauncey Franklin (Jazmyn), Stephanye Carson, Jamila Franklin; cousins, loving friends and neighbors.