Laurie Ann Clark

Most known as “Mom,” Laurie Ann Clark was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and caretaker to many. She devoted her life to God, her family, and to helping others in any way she could.

Born to Glen and Nancy Clark, Laurie grew up in Muldrow, Oklahoma, and Perryville, Arkansas. She married David William Bales and together they had three children—David Glen Bales, Jeremy William Bales, and Callie Ann Adams—along with a stepson, Shane Bales. After 15 challenging years of marriage, Laurie divorced and went on to raise all her children on her own.

Her greatest achievement in life was her children, and her dedication didn’t stop there. Laurie adopted Mollie Jo Bales, Michael Berry, and Casey Jane Clark, continuing her lifelong commitment to giving children a safe and loving home. She also fostered dozens of children over the years, helped raise her grandchildren Camron Bales and Justin Teague, and even stepped in to raise her beloved niece, Dani Clark.

In addition to her personal devotion to children, Laurie worked hard to secure her GED and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2007. She spent 15 years as a Child Protective Services worker for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, earning multiple national-level honors, including the Sonja Atetewuthtakewa Award in 2012 for Distinguished Service in the Protection of Children, and the Richard Powesheik Award in 2014 for Outstanding Performance in Indian Child Welfare.

Laurie grew up around the Baptist faith, she was saved and baptized, finding renewed strength and peace in her walk with God.

Those who knew Laurie will remember her as the rock of the family—the one everyone could depend on. She was famously easygoing, always ready to lend a helping hand, and unapologetically proud of the fact that she didn’t cook (and may very well have invented the microwave). To most who knew her, she wasn’t just Laurie—she was Mom.

She is survived by her children—David Glen Bales (and wife Kelly Bales), Jeremy Bales, Callie Adams (and husband Brandon Adams), Mollie Bales, Shane Bales, Michael Berry, and Casey Clark—and many stepchildren. Laurie was a proud grandmother to Camron Bales, Kaitlynn Bales, Brielyn Adams, David Bales Jr., Justin Teague, and Isabella Bales, along with many step-grandchildren. She also had a cherished great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Bales (“GG”).

Laurie was the beloved and number one aunt to all her nieces and nephews, treasured for her kindness, humor, and unwavering support. She was the best baby sister to Fred Clark, Shannan Haynes, and Kimberly Clark remembered for her love, warmth, and fierce loyalty. Laurie also shared a close and loving bond with her husband, Jimmy Vinson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Glen Clark; her grandmother, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Welch; and her grandmother, Alene Lewis (Petree) and her grandfather Fred Petree. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Clark.

What made Laurie truly special was her gift for making even the hardest situations feel a little lighter. She brought comfort with her words, hope with her smile, and laughter even in the darkest moments. Her positivity was contagious, her presence calming, and her heart immeasurable.

Her selfless love and unwavering devotion to others left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Muldrow, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Long Cemetery in Muldrow, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Active Pallbearers will be David Glen Bales, Jeremy William Bales, Camron Bales, Andrew Williams, Kevin Williams, Brandon Adams and Bert Clark.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Brielyn Adams, David Glen Bales Jr., Justin Teague and Fred Clark.

Viewing will be 1 - 8 PM Monday at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Muldrow where the family will greet 1 - 3 PM.