Lois Marie Cromer Clements

Lois Marie Cromer Clements, a loving mother, grandmother, and woman of remarkable strength and faith, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, joy, and resilience.

Born on March 22, 1929, in the small village of Ideal, Georgia, Marie was the youngest of four children born to Horace and Annie Cromer. Growing up on the family farm alongside her siblings—Hugh, Francis, Helen, and little Marie—she learned early on the values of hard work, family, and community that guided her throughout her long life. It was during a spring break trip to Daytona Beach that Marie met the love of her life, John Clements of Pinckard, Alabama. After marrying, the couple embarked on a journey across the country as John’s career with IBM took them to Jacksonville FL, New York, Atlanta, Warner Robins GA, and Greensboro NC before finally settling down to plant deep roots in Merritt Island, Florida.

After John’s passing, she married Bill Jakeway who passed away after 10 years of marriage. Marie's greatest joy was her family, and she poured her heart into raising and supporting them. A woman of deep faith and musical talent, she was deeply involved in her church and loved playing the piano. Her passion for early childhood education led her to become one of the original organizers who launched the kindergarten program at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, shaping the minds and hearts of countless young children over her years as a dedicated teacher.

In her 50s, Marie discovered a passion for travel. Together with John and then Bill, she explored the United States, Canada, and Mexico in their motorhome, eventually visiting 12 countries across her travels. Later in life, she showed an extraordinary grit that inspired everyone around her. Despite enduring a broken collarbone, a fractured pelvis, two broken hips, and surviving two bouts of COVID-19, she remained vibrant, alert, and active. Her family constantly marveled at her boundless energy, toughness, and unwavering spunk.

Marie was preceded in death by her husbands, John and Bill, and her cherished daughter, Larke. She is survived by her loving sons' families, Dennis & Penny Clements (Rockledge FL), Cameron & Jacque Clements (Mt Pleasant SC) and her three grandchildren, Caitlin (Kyle Kapper) Connor (Sunshine Clements), and Taylor Clements, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to her life.

Marie will be laid to rest on Friday, August 28, 2026, alongside her husband and daughter in Cocoa, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to The Boone Project, an organization dedicated to supporting young adults ages 18-40 navigating cancer. Donations can be made at www.boonproject.org. “Get Involved”, “Support Us”, “Online Donations”, “Donate in Memory of”.