Clarissa Marie Harpool

Clarissa Marie (Burton) Harpool, age 34, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. She was born and raised in Little Rock, the oldest child of Barry and Rhonda Burton, and the first of five siblings.

Clarissa married the love of her life, Robert Clayton Harpool, also from Little Rock, on May 25, 2012. They are the proud parents of Ophelia Harpool.

From the start she was her own person. Often playing games with her sisters and brothers, she would make up her own rules as she went along (usually to her advantage - she was no dummy!). She played in the percussion section of the band and orchestra of Central Arkansas Christian school. She later attended and graduated from LiSA Academy in their first graduating class of 2008, and participated in establishing their school anthem. She was known for her vibrant, colorful hair and bold makeup. Her love of makeup actually came from her first job at Walgreens, where she worked in the cosmetic department. True to form, she felt an obligation to be informed about her products, so she used them! Walgreens is also where she and Robert first met.

She was one to defy odds, determined to overcome many challenges and doubters. She was once told she would never fit in or succeed at Hendrix College in Conway, but she won a full scholarship to attend there, graduating with a degree in computer science. She soon used that degree when she was approached by her former teacher about considering a teaching position at LiSA Academy, her alma mater. She decided to try it even without any previous training in teaching. Determined to stick with it despite early disappointments and struggles, she persevered and became an accomplished and integral faculty member, well-loved by many of her students and esteemed by her colleagues. Clarissa was a die-hard Quiz Bowl supporter, worked with the robotics club, and tried to attend every LiSA Academy basketball and volleyball game to cheer on her students.

Clarissa always loved to learn and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. There was probably not a streaming documentary she hadn't watched, having an interest in everything from history to "true crime" to economics. She had shelves full of books, and read everything Stephen King wrote. She loved Neopets, and was also an avid Pokémon Go fan, often participating in local challenges.

She also liked other outdoor adventures and had fun spending time with Clay and Ophelia. Some of the things they did together include deer drives (ask Clay), hiking, boat trips on the lake, hosting family dinners, and getting EZ Mart ICEEs. And Clarissa was NEVER without her cup of coffee!

Clarissa is survived by her husband, Robert Clayton Harpool, and their daughter, Ophelia Harpool. She is also survived by her father, Barry Burton, her mother Rhonda Burton, her mother-in-law Lee Harpool, and her maternal grandmother, Shirley Bisbee. Her siblings are Amanda Swope (Vince), Greg Burton, Michelle Burton, and Brad Burton. There are also many cousins, aunts and uncles, too numerous to mention here.

Clarissa leaves behind a legacy of love for her family, excellence in her profession, and an example of perseverance and determination in her approach to life. She was a unique and amazing woman with a generous heart, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Clarissa's family appreciates all those who have shared their love, prayers, and support during this time, and who have attended this service today to join them in remembering her.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (600 S. Rodney Parham Road) with a memorial service following at 11:00 AM.