Laura Jane Johnson McCurter Southard, age 83, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023, at her home in East Prairie, MO, with her family by her side.  She was born February 14, 1939, in Malden, MO, to the late Issac Johnson and Mattie Pearl Karlish Johnson, and was a member of the First Church of God in East Prairie.  She completed all 12 years of school in Parma, and never missed a day.  She was employed many years ago as a bookkeeper for Shelby Furniture Store in East Prairie and was a homemaker.  Laura Jane enjoyed time shopping and going to restaurants with her family, loved working crossword puzzles, listening to her favorite music, and crocheting.  Being with family was the most important part of her life.

On November 17, 1970, she married F.E. "Nub" Southard, who preceded her in death on December 31, 2006.

Laura Jane was a mother to one son, Larry (Deborah) McCurter; and one daughter, the late Riece McCurter Knupp.  When she married her husband she gained two more daughters, Brenda Sailor and Judy (Ronnie) Wallace.  Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Laurie Gail (Danny) Housman, Terry (Debbie) McCurter, Shawn (Wendy) Knupp, Harley (Holly) McCurter, Berry (Bethany) Knupp, Mattie (Steven) Turner, Elizabeth (Barry) Bryars, Rebecca (Stephen) Lutz, LeAnne Stallings and Quad Stallings; a host of great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong best friend, Jo Emma Morgan.

In addition to her husband, daughter, and parents, she was preceded in death by her twin brothers, Carl and Charles Johnson, and one granddaughter, Michelle Wallace.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at First Church of God in East Prairie.  Joseph Mosby, great nephew, and Dawn Walters, pastor of First Church of God will officiate.  Shelby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren Laurie Housman, Terry McCurter, Shawn Knupp, Harley McCurter, Berry Knupp and Mattie Turner.  Honorary pallbearers will be LeAnne Stallings, Quad Stallings, Elizabeth Bryars and Rebecca Lutz.