Obituary of Mariann M. Clawson

Mariann Margaret Clawson, 79 years-old, died on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at her home in Blowing Rock, North Carolina after her valiant fight with Stage 4 Lung Cancer during the past two years. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through months of grueling treatment and chemotherapy. Yet throughout her struggle with cancer, she reached out to others with love and laughter. The oldest of 2 beautiful girls, Mariann was born on May 12,1936 in Hartford Wisconsin to Roy and Francis Fries. Her sister, Barb, lives with her husband Ron, in their home state of Wisconsin. Known for her contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor, Mariann maintained a sweet and simple demeanor. She won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. After graduating from Random Lake High, Wisconsin and while attending Sheboygan County Normal Teachers College she met her Sweetheart, Joe Clawson, during an encampment with the Civil Air Patrol. The couple was married the same year on July 14, 1956 at St. Kilians Church in Hartford, Wisconsin. Married for 40 years, Mariann & Joe raised their 3 children, Mike, Marcia and Frank over the years in many places while serving in the United States Air Force and after Joes retirement, in Blowing Rock North Carolina. Mariann, possessing a true servants heart continued to raise her children while at the same time, faithfully cared for Joe whom suffered for many years with significant disabilities. During this time Mariann returned to higher education earning her dream job of becoming a school teacher. Even after Joes death in December 1996, Mariann continued teaching for many years and even volunteering to teach after her own retirement. To this day, she is remembered and recognized for being a devoted and inspirational school teacher for hundreds of elementary students. A woman of faith and the heart of the Clawson family, Mariann shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example, and also through various Catholic charismatic prayer groups and activities. With a genuine zest for life, Mariann spent much of her time giving back in various organizations such as, VFW, Boone Civitan, The Royal Order of Moose, North Carolina Retired Teachers, Blowing Rock Historical Society and volunteering at Blowing Rock School. Mariann loved to pray, travel, read, bowl, chat with friends, play Bingo�especially play bingo, and spend time with her grandchildren. Mariann was our angel that lived, laughed, and loved. Mrs. Clawson is the Mother of three children, Mike and (Susan) Clawson, Marcia and (David) Winkler and Frank and (Diane) Clawson; Grandmother to seven; Drew Clawson, Carrie and Chris Winkler, Corbyn, Hunter, Cody and Nate Clawson; immediate family; sister, Barbara Jacobson and husband, Ron; and of course, Willie, her beloved four-legged companion. For friends and family of Mariann Clawson, there will be Visitation and a funeral service at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home (194 Queen St, Boone, NC), Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be Father Matthew. All are invited to a graveside service that follows. Pallbearers will be her son-in-law, David Winkler and her grandsons, Drew, Chris, Hunter, Cody and Nate. For more information, please call: In lieu of flowers Memorial donations can be made to Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue Squad, Boone Civitan or Moose Charities. Online condolences may be shared at the website austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. This is truly a tribute to her memory, which will be carried on in the legacy of love which is now each of us � the lives she formed and touched by her love. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Clawson family.