Laura Ann Clark

Laura Clark, 86, of Poplar Bluff, MO left this world peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at her home of over 60 years surrounded by her loving family.

Laura was a well know fixture in the Poplar Buff community where she taught Spanish & Art for her entire career mostly at the Poplar Bluff Junior High School. She was a talented local artist and recently had her own show at The Tinnin Arts Center. She still has several paintings on display at Artfully Framed here in town. In addition, her many accomplishments include Poplar Bluff Teacher of the Year, Arts & Museum Board Member, Poplar Bluff Library Board Member, member of P.E.O., member of The Literary Club, and founder, along with Blanche Wolpers and Ann Gowen, of the Paint & Culture Club. She also taught art classes at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum during the 1990’s and has a painting on permanent display at the museum.

Laura kept in touch with many of her former students over the years and will be truly missed by all. Everyone will surely remember never seeing Laura without her signature red lipstick. She was also an avid traveler and loved visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures and customs.

We will remember her for her laugh, her free spirit, and love of life in general. She never met a stranger and never failed to welcome a new friend. She was a well of spiritual encouragement for so many, and her faith in Jesus Christ was her rock and foundation.

On August 14, 1959, Laura Spencer married Jack Clark, and their union spanned 61 years until Jack’s passing on April 28, 2021. In addition to her husband, she was proceeded in death by her parents, Hulen & Daisy Spencer and her three brothers, Tom Spencer, Jim Spencer and Mack Spencer. She is survived by her son, Dean Spencer Clark and several nieces, Valerie Lisa, Vickie Blevins, Sarah Polda, June Barbas, Terry Hall and Jane Walker.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral services will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Father Allen Kirchner officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either The Margaret Harwell Art Museum, The Poplar Bluff Public Library, UCAN, Animal Welfare Alliance or a charity of your choice.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Laura Ann Clark. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com