Laura Jean Shemwell Clopton

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Laura Jean Shemwell Clopton, 86, died Wednesday January 10, 2018 at St Bernard’s Medical Center after a brief illness. Laura was born April 28, 1931, in Folsomdale, Kentucky to Alva Lou (Wood) Shemwell and Henry Claude Shemwell.  She was a graduate of Melber High School and Murray State University. After graduation, Laura taught Home Economics and 3 ^rd grade at schools in Cairo, Illinois and Little Rock, Arkansas.

She was married to Dr. Owen Hobson Clopton, Jr. on June 27, 1954 at Oak Level, Kentucky.  They moved to Jonesboro in 1965 with their two daughters, where Dr. Clopton started a private practice, Internal Medicine, Associates, now called Clopton Clinic in honor of Dr. Clopton.

Mrs. Clopton was a long time member of Southwest Church, where she taught Bible class and volunteered in the food pantry. Mrs. Clopton had numerous passions: her grandchildren; painting; playing piano; bird watching; fishing; reading, sewing; and crochet. She was known for her compassion, laughter, hospitality, and effortless elegance.

She is survived by two daughters:  Dr. Claudia L. Clopton of Denver, Colorado and Dr. Laura Dale Bischof, (John) St. Paul, Minnesota, and grandchildren: Aiden Carley-Clopton, Inge Claudine Bischof, and Theodora Jean Bischof. Her surviving nieces: Debbie Hamby and Barbara Reed. Nephew: Wood Shemwell, Jr.  In addition, a multitude of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. O.H. Clopton; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Claude Shemwell; three siblings: Claudine Shemwell Powers, William Wood Shemwell Sr., and Anna Lou Shemwell; and two nephews: Michael and Patrick Powers.

Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2018, preceding the 3:00 p.m. memorial service at Emerson Funeral Home with Dr. Jimmy Adcox officiating.  Donations may be made in Mrs. Clopton’s name to Children’s Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould Arkansas 72450-3319 or St. Bernards Development Foundation, Women’s and Children’s Services, 400 East Street, Jonesboro Arkansas 72401-9929.