Laura Clontz: A life filled with gratitude

Laura Clawson was born in Boone and was just a few years old when her parents relocated to Morganton, due to her father becoming an employee with Broughton Hospital. Laura attended Hillcrest and Mull Elementary schools followed by one year at Salem High before consolidation of county high schools. She graduated from Freedom High School in 1976.

Laura then entered Western Piedmont Community College where she graduated from the Medical Assistant program and then the nursing program a few years after that.

Laura recently retired from J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, completing a 44-year nursing career.

Growing up in a loving, church-grounded home

Laura says that “my parents modeled a very loving home for my two brothers and me. We were taught by example what a strong work ethic looked like and how to be caring neighbors, to respect and care for the beautiful landscape of nature, to strive to be our best selves, and to worship God and to serve our community through service to others.”

Laura and her brothers grew up playing outdoors — all day — until her father’s whistle signaled it was time to come home. They rode bikes, spent summers in Boone visiting cousins, going on trips with church youth ministry groups, and frequent trips to the library where they would check out as many books as allowed, which led to a lifetime love of reading.

She credits her own deep involvement in her church, First Baptist Church of Morganton, with the example of her parents, who both served in many roles in their own congregation, Southside Baptist Church.

Laura states that “If the doors of our church were open, the Clawson family was in attendance!” She elaborates, “Our home was filled with music, discipline, love, prayer, and respect for each other, and we grew up knowing what family means to the heart; with a deep respect for parents and grandparents.”

Marriage and family

Laura met her husband, Dr. Luther H. Clontz Sr., through the health care field. They married in 1987 and were blessed with a 22-year marriage until Dr. Clontz’s passing from renal failure in 2009.

Prior to his death, Dr. Clontz served the Morganton area and surrounding counties for 50 years of caring and healing. They shared their life together with four wonderful children (three from a previous marriage): Geoffrey, Deborah, Dana, and Luke — along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

While son Luke was growing up, Laura was employed as a credentialed preschool teacher and nurse-liaison for 11 years with the First Baptist Church of Morganton preschool program. She did this while also working for her husband’s firm, Burke Medical Consultants, and traveling to local and regional long-term care facilities.

I was the church staff minister that supervised the Preschool/Afterschool ministry for over 40 years. Laura was an exemplary teacher and with her co-teacher, Mrs. Vicky Lyday, was beloved by children and grateful parents.

She was deeply respected by the entire preschool and church staff, who gave her the affectionate nickname, “Ms. Kwontz,” in imitation of some of the children.

Laura talks fondly of those years, “While at FBCM preschool I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful children and their families. It is an experience that added so many blessings to my life.”

She has enjoyed keeping up with those same preschoolers as they graduated from college and achieved career goals and continued their personal and professional journeys of growth. She recently attended the wedding of one of those former students and celebrated the graduation from medical school of another.

I imagine Laura has many stories to tell about interactions with the children in her care. I know some of them involve my own son Tal, who was blessed to be in her class.

One day, when picking up my son, Mrs. Clontz and Mrs. Lyday couldn’t wait to share with me my boy’s artistry. The children’s art project that morning was to create a life-size drawing of themselves.

Interestingly, my son’s was … uh … “anatomically correct.” The teachers smiled as he proudly showed me his picture, pointing out various body parts with the enthusiastic innocence of a child.

Her advocacy with Luke’s health issues

In another recent column, I shared Laura’s significant, life-saving intervention in son Luke’s multiple health issues. Her fierce love for her son combined with her extensive nursing background helped Luke get the critical care he needed to heal.

It was an example of parental courage and determination. Sadly, not all parental love, concern, courage, and determination have the successful outcome of Luke’s journey. Laura is acutely aware of this.

She is grateful that Luke continues to thrive and has dedicated his life to helping others in similar crises. Their recently sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive was a tremendous success, for which they thank all who participated.

Life is good

Laura certainly has an active life. In addition to her long and active participation in her church, she has served as President of the Morganton Service League and is currently a Sustainer.

She is a member of the Caregivers Support Group at Burke Senior Center and lifelong member of the U.S. National Parks Association.

Laura’s significant other, Larry Pizzorni, is a great companion on her many adventures; most recently on a trip to Italy to visit some of his relatives. She says of their relationship, “God was so amazing to send another gentleman into my life to love and with whom to share life; going on 14 years now!”

In addition to travel, Laura’s interests include reading (nurtured in those childhood trips to the public library), hiking with friends, and music of many kinds. She is an excellent writer and uses that gift in prolific encouraging notes to friends and fellow church members. She is an excellent cook and loves preparing meals for special occasions.

Despite the losses and challenges, joys and sorrows, of her life journey so far, Laura reflects, “I do not travel a day in life without first thanking God for His amazing grace, for living in America, and for my gifts of family, friends, church family, neighbors, good health, and the privilege of living in the beautiful community of Morganton. I awaken every morning with joy in the opportunity to give back by offering the acceptance, kindness and encouragement that has so often been given to me.”