Gracie Orene Barker Clopton

Gracie Orene Barker Clopton Grace Clopton passed on May 8, 2010 in Georgetown, Texas, at age 92. She was the youngest of ten children born to Charlie Bennett Barker and Hester Alice McCord Barker. Her parents were farmers near the Knobbs community in Lee County where Grace was born April 16, 1918. Grace grew up in Lee and Bastrop counties attending school in McDade and Bastrop. Grace and Ben Clopton were sweethearts through much of their schooling in McDade. They were married in Austin on January 31, 1938 while both were working at the Austin State Hospital. They moved to Baytown in 1944 where he worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company before entering service in WWII. Grace moved briefly to Bastrop in 1945 for the birth of their twins while Ben was in route to the imminent invasion of Japan. She lived in Austin until Ben's return, and soon afterward the family returned to Baytown. Grace provided a loving home and support for her husband and children. She was known for her cooking and sense of humor. Ben was employed at Humble Oil, later Exxon, until his retirement in 1975. Grace and Ben enjoyed their retirement in a house they built near Cut n' Shoot where they were longtime members of the local Baptist Church. They returned to Bastrop in 1991. Ben died on February 4, 1993. Grace's six sisters and three brothers precede her in death. Her children, Ben Michael Clopton of Georgetown, James "Jimmy" Bennett Clopton of Bastrop, and Janet Sue Clopton Hooten of Victoria; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren will miss her. Burial will be on Saturday, May 15th, at the McDade Cemetery where a graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. followed by a remembrance gathering at 1606 Carter Street in Bastrop. The family suggests a contribution to the Wesleyan Homes Foundation Benevolent Fund, PO Box 486, Georgetown, TX 78627 in lieu of flowers.