Mertie Lou Pistole Clemons

Mertie Pistole Clemons died on July 12, 2020. She was 93 years old. Mertie Lou Swindell was born February 21, 1927 in White County, Tennessee. Her parents were the late Daniel Loyde Swindell and Mary Edith Gillette Swindell. She was married June 19, 1945 to Alex Pistole, who died April 12, 1987. On March 30, 1994 she married Lannie Clemons, who died July 27, 2007. Mrs. Clemons was a devoted member of Westwood Church of Christ for over fifty years. For many years, she taught first graders in Sunday School. She loved her church family and in her later years she cherished times spent with the Westwood Belles. Mrs. Clemons retired from John Oster Mfg. Company after over 30 years of service. She was proud to share that her clock number was #2. She was the second employee hired by the company when it expanded its operations to McMinnville from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1959. She was beloved by all she came into contact with during the years she was employed at Oster. Her good nature and sense of humor made her a favorite among her co-workers. Her work ethic and sense of pride in her work made her a valued and respected employee. As a Navy wife, she developed a love of traveling. Early in her marriage, her husband Alex was stationed in San Diego, California. Their three children were born during this time. She especially enjoyed the almost two years they lived in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, when her husband was stationed there. Wherever she was, she made lifelong friends. With her second husband, Lannie Clemons, she went on numerous trips throughout the U.S. They especially enjoyed traveling in Alaska. After going on a cruise to Alaska, they later decided to drive to Alaska and spend several weeks traveling back roads. She had a sense of adventure and fun throughout her life. Mrs. Clemons loved gardening and had a special passion for growing roses. She enjoyed reading, collecting dolls, shopping and playing Rook and dominoes with family and friends. In addition to her parents and spouses, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sheila Markum and brother-in-law, Tom Markum. Her sons, Larry Michael Pistole and Lloyd Neal Pistole both died in 2018. Her great-grandson, Mitchell Patrick Mielnik died in 2015. She is survived by her daughter, Scarlett Stout and son-in-law, Phillip Stout; daughter-in-law, Teresa Pistole of Walkerton, VA; and step-daughter, Lois Clemons Kimbrough of Columbiana, Alabama. “Grandmommy” is survived by Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik and her husband, Mike Mielnik; Niles Alex Pistole; Dr. Nealy Pistole James and her husband, Sean; Alex Bennett Pistole; Tyler Scott Pistole; Jonathan Stout and wife, Amy; Susan Stout Gatlin; and step-grandchildren, Jacob and Luke Schoenly. Great-grandchildren surviving are Carson Mielnik, Abby and Anna Gatlin and Brenlee, Walker and Mattie Stout. A nephew, Tommy Markum survives. Visitation will be from 10-12 at High Funeral Home on July 15. A private graveside service and interment will be held for family only. Memorial donations may be made to Westwood Belles and Beaus and mailed to Westwood Church of Christ, 511 Morrison Street, McMinnville, TN 37110 or the Mitchell Patrick Mielnik Scholarship Fund, care of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and mailed to PO Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244 or visit www.cfmt.org. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.