Debra Kay Clem

Debra “Kay” Scott Clem was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on July 19, 1953. Kay moved with her mother, father, and two brothers to Chattahoochee, Florida, a small rural town on the Florida panhandle that she affectionately called “the Hooch,” where she grew up and attended school. Upon graduation from Chattahoochee High School, she completed several semesters at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida and remained a proud Seminole fan throughout her life.

Kay carved her own path by entering the political workforce in her early twenties, where her natural intelligence, work ethic, and charisma moved her swiftly up the corporate ladder in an era where few women were able. She worked in the Office of the Senate President in Tallahassee for a number of years and subsequently served as Executive Director of the State Republican Party of Florida, becoming a key player in bringing the Republican Party into new political prominence in the State of Florida.

She married her devoted husband, attorney Chester Clem, and moved to his hometown of Vero Beach following their wedding in 1989. Kay and Chester were blessed with the birth of twin daughters, Mary Katherine and Elizabeth, in 1992. In addition to her busy professional life, Kay so enjoyed the fulfillment that motherhood brought and avidly served on the PTA and attended as many school, sports, social, and other extracurricular activities as possible. She was exceptionally proud of both her daughters and their accomplishments.

Kay continued to pursue her interest in politics and service in Vero Beach. When the office of Supervisor of Elections for Indian River County came open in 1996, she was elected to the position, where she dutifully served the community for approximately 14 years. Kay’s passion for the job was evident, leaving only after suffering the debilitating onset of her chronic neurological disability. During her tenure, she received many accolades for her service and hard work and was particularly instrumental in guiding Indian River through a smooth election during the otherwise contentious 2000 presidential election of Bush v. Gore.

Kay had great affection for Chester’s three sons by his prior marriage and worked hard to ensure that all family members maintained a close and loving relationship. She always expressed her pride in her family and worked tirelessly to keep family love and friendship in place.

Kay had many other admirable qualities. She was a practicing Episcopalian all her life. She loved to read, but more than anything, enjoyed making other people laugh, a skill that she was especially adept at employing. Kay will be remembered by all her friends and family for her wonderful and witty sense of humor and infectious laugh, which she steadfastly maintained throughout her years-long battles with her chronic disability and End-Stage Renal Disease.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Chester, daughters, Mary Kate and Liz (TJ), stepsons, Zander (Carmen), Jeff, and Chester (Stacy), and step grandchildren, Cristina, Isabella, Alexander, and Emma. The family will have a private memorial in her honor.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.