Marilyn Clemons

Marilyn Clemons, our beloved mother and grandmother, passed away just three months shy of her 90th birthday.

She was born to Guy and Winnie McKeehan and grew up in Huntington Park, CA.

Following in the footsteps of her older brother Harold, she attended USC. There she met Richard Clemons and the two bonded over their shared interest in classical music. She graduated from USC in 1957 and married Richard in 1958. They moved to Santa Barbara with their two young children in 1962.

After college she began teaching piano, which ultimately became her lifelong career. Marilyn enjoyed sharing her love of music with children. She challenged her students to always do their best and to have fun while learning, often with a twinkle in her eye and a cat on her lap.

Marilyn loved animals, ice skating, road trips, and helping Richard with his photography. She loved spending time with friends and family, especially her cousins, who were the sisters Marilyn never had.

She is predeceased by her husband of 49 years. She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Kathy Hawkins, and two grandchildren Caleb and Natalie.

The family would like to thank the many students and their families who brought Marilyn’s piano studio to life for over 50 years.

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara on August 29 at 10am.