Laura Jo Clouatre

Laura Jo Clouatre, age 72, was born on September 5, 1953, and entered eternal rest on April 15, 2026. She was welcomed by her Lord and Savior and reunited with her parents and nephew.

Laura lived a full, faithful, and joy-filled life. Her faith guided her each day and shone through her kindness and love for others. She found great happiness with family and friends, and her good-natured shenanigans brought smiles to everyone around her.

Laura is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Wayne Clouatre, with whom she shared more than 50 blessed years of marriage; her siblings, Carter Jackson (Lori), Patty Jackson, Craig Jackson (Jean), and Jeff Jackson (Chadran); nieces, Aimee Jackson and Rachel Meier; nephews, Tyrell Jackson and Joshua Jackson; grandnephew, Anthony Jackson; and grandnieces, Jordan Jackson, Tatum Jackson, Brielle Jackson, and Emma Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Josephine Jackson, and her nephew, Aaron Jackson.

Laura loved traveling with her husband throughout the United States—from coast to coast—as well as to Alaska, Hawaii, and on many cruises. She and her husband also traveled to England and Italy. She enjoyed reading, tending to her plants, watching old black & white movies and, most of all, quilting. She designed and made more than 100 quilts and gifted them to family and friends as an expression of love. She would tell them that whenever they felt the urge to hug her, they could wrap themselves in their quilt.

Laura had an outstanding career as a registered nurse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 1982 and began her career at Woman’s Hospital as a staff nurse, Lamaze instructor, and clinical instructor in Labor and Delivery. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 1993. She served as a clinical instructor for Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing, Southeastern School of Nursing, and Our Lady of the Lake College. She went on to hold leadership roles including Director of Professional Practice Development, Divisional Director of Surgical Inpatient Services at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, as well as Director of Perioperative Services at Woman’s Hospital. Her professional service included Vice President of the Louisiana Perinatal Association, Board Member of the Maternal Child Coalition, and member of the Advisory Board for Infant Hearing Screening. In 2011, she was named Mentor of the Year by the Louisiana State Nurses Association. Laura was widely respected in the Baton Rouge medical community for her expertise and professionalism.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, LA, on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Due to ongoing construction of the new mausoleum, the internment of her ashes will occur later with a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura’s memory to Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center or St. Joseph Hospice Carpenter House.