Mrs. Louise Clarkston

Evelyn Louise Warner Clarkston (Lou), a precious mother, devoted wife, and woman of remarkable strength and grace, was born in Mildred, Texas, to Gordon Russell Warner and Hazel Louise Benifield Warner on December 24, 1935 and entered her heavenly home on June 29, 2026 at the age of 90 years old. She lived a life marked by love, resilience, dignity, and an extraordinary work ethic that inspired everyone who knew her. She became a wife at the tender age of 15 and, by the age of 19, was already the loving mother of three children. At age 26, she welcomed another precious child into her life. Though her responsibilities began early, she never allowed hardship or circumstance to define her limits. With determination and perseverance, she completed her education and went on to build a successful career as an accountant, dedicating over 50 years to work she performed with integrity, precision, and pride. Her work ethic was extraordinary. She believed in doing things well, doing them honestly, and doing them with care. That same spirit could be seen in every part of her life. She was always pristine in the way she carried herself, in the home she kept, and in the thoughtful attention she gave to the people and responsibilities entrusted to her. In 1979, she married Robert L. Clarkston, and together they shared 44 years of marriage filled with companionship, devotion, and lasting love before his passing in 2023. Their life together was a testament to commitment and the quiet beauty of standing beside one another through the seasons of life. Above all, she was a mother. Her children were blessed by her strength, her steadiness, and the example she set. She taught through action—showing that love is found in sacrifice, responsibility, faithfulness, and the daily choice to keep going with grace. She will be remembered for her elegance, her discipline, her devotion to family, and the quiet pride she took in a life well lived. Her legacy lives on in the children she raised, the family she cherished, the work she accomplished, and the countless memories held by those who loved her. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert L. Clarkston, her parents, and son William Robert Smith Jr. (Rob) and sister Carol English-Reiger. She is survived by her deeply loved sister Robbie Wallace (husband, Evan); daughters Karen Pierce (husband, James); Kathy Worley (husband, Charles (Bud)); Linda Smith; Teri Jo (TJ) Holley, (husband, Jody); stepson Bobby Clarkston, (wife, Terri Coburn); stepdaughter, Brenda Heitz (husband, Jim) grandchildren, Brian Pierce, (wife, Mary Beth); Jared Pierce (wife , Kristen); Ashley Brightwell (Kelly Cardenas), Lance Brightwell (wife, Hannah); Melanie Brightwell Courtney (husband, Cody); Kristina Worley Mojica (husband, Danny); April Nicole Smith; Robert Westin Smith (wife, Dawn); Kathryn House (husband, Scott); Kristi Wagner; Keelie Robinson; Michael Manson (Melissa Carter); Menissa Abercrombie (husband, Brian); Josh Coburn (wife, Mandy); Callie Heitz Abeyta (husband, David); Johnathan Heitz; 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; cherished nieces and nephews, Michell English Frederiksen (husband, John); Mike English (Molly Rice); Kelli Wallace Hollis (husband, Matt); Kyle Wallace (wife, Debbie); treasured friend Barbara Dickerson, and a host of other loving family members and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Briarcliff Skilled Nursing Facility and Hearts Way Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. They treated Mom like their own family, offering comfort, kindness, and dignity during her time in their care. A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at noon, Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Corsicana, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Hearts Way Hospice, if desired.

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Mrs. Louise Clarkston

December 24, 1935 - June 29, 2026