Iris Zenobia (Mahone) Clemmons

Life's Reflection

Iris Zenobia Mahone Clemmons gracefully and peacefully gained her heavenly wings on January 11, 2021.  She was born on November 12, 1922 in Brinkley, Arkansas.  She was the 3rd of five children born to the union of Asie Mahone, Sr. and Effie Deberry Mahone. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Irene M. George; her brother, Asie Mahone, Jr.; and two brothers in their infancy preceded her in death.

Iris graduated from Sumner High School in 1940.  She then attended Kansas City, Kansas Community College of Wyandotte County.

In 1944 on Christmas Eve, she married Albert E. Harper, Sr.  To this union two daughters were born, Carmen O. Harper-Young of Tucson, Arizona, and Valerie J. Harper Cherry of Kansas City, Kansas. 

Iris was employed at the B-25 Factory during the World War II effort.  She was one of more than 600,000 African American women "Rosie the Riveters" who proudly served America with courage and compassion, during World War II.

Iris managed their family-owned business for over 20 years.  She was the Resident Manager for HUD at Chelsea Plaza Homes.  She retired after 14 years of service.

In September 1990, she united with her high school sweetheart, Lt. Col. Wilson H. Clemmons until his death.  They shared a loving and devoted union. They enjoyed their life together and were great companions.  They enjoyed traveling the country, listening to Jazz and Classical music.

Iris accepted Christ at an early age under the pastorate of Rev. W.A. Bowren at, First Baptist Church at 500 Nebraska.  She served as a sponsor for the youth choir, and member of the Trustee Board.  Iris was also a volunteer worker for the Shepard's Center in Kansas City and volunteered for the United Way Project for Wyandotte County.

She was the 2nd oldest member of the First Baptist Church family and a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Iris was a Phenomenal woman.  Her favorite phrase was "All things in Moderation".

She will be remembered with love, respect, and admiration by her two daughters:  Carmen O. Harper-Young and Valerie J. Cherry; four grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren along with a host of close friends, relatives and her special children, Edward and Portia King,

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Iris Zenobia (Mahone) Clemmons, please visit our floral store.