Annie Clarkson

(From Parker Mortuary)

Diane “Annie” Louise Clarkson, 66, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021.

Annie was born July 20, 1955 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Donald Lee and Betty Ruth (Hooper) Clarkson. Annie attended Joplin Schools, graduating in 1973. 

 After high school, she attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, from 1973 to 1977, majoring in journalism. In 1978 Annie graduated from the Denver Paralegal Institute. Over the years Annie worked as a paralegal for Thomas & Talley, Collins, Webster & Rouse and BTS Group.

 

Annie had a giving heart and spent much of her time doing volunteer work. She was instrumental in the development of the tennis programs and facilities in the Joplin area. She inspired many children and adults to develop a lifelong love for the game. In 2012, she was presented a Lifetime Service Award in recognition of over 24 years of outstanding dedication and service to the Joplin Tennis Association.

Annie was most recently working at Community Support Services as an advocate for the developmentally disabled. This was something that was very near and dear to her heart. She either coordinated or participated in many events that brightened the lives of people with special needs. Annie adored her dogs and was active in raising funds to support animal welfare.

In her spare time, Annie enjoyed golfing, skiing, floats on Elk River and tennis. She was an avid supporter of the Joplin Little Theatre and for many local animal organizations. Annie never met a stranger and she greeted everyone with her contagious smile and a great sense of humor. She cherished the memories created with family and friends. Annie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Annie was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy “Nan” Clarkson.

She is lovingly survived by her brothers, Andrew Clarkson and wife, Anne, John Clarkson; sister, Janet Clarkson; nieces and nephews, Joy, Juli, Jenni, Joe, Josh, Drew and Grey; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with Andrew Clarkson and John Clarkson officiating. Inurnment of ashes will be at Mount Hope Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheltered Workshops Joplin or Joplin Humane Society in Annie’s memory, in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.