Remembering Lives in Laurel, Mississippi
Obituaries provide a public record of life, death, and remembrance. They’re a way to acknowledge a person’s contributions and mark their passing. They also serve as important documents for those doing genealogical research and for those who are simply interested in the history of a place.
This article compiles recent obituaries from Laurel, MS, and surrounding areas. It aims to honor the lives of those who have recently died and to provide information about their passing to the community.
These obituaries include details about the lives of individuals, their families, their careers, and their contributions to the Laurel, MS community. Dates of birth, death, and funeral service information are included where available, so you can pay your respects to those who have recently passed. This page will be updated regularly with recent obituaries laurel ms.
March 2025: A Month in Remembrance
As March 2025 draws to a close, we remember the lives of those in the Laurel, Mississippi, area who have recently passed.
Late March Departures
- Ottie Weems Bankston, 87, born May 24, 1937, passed away at the end of March. Ottie spent 35 years of his working life with BellSouth Telephone Company.
- Mary Jacqueline Ekes Meyers, 94, also passed in late March. Mary earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree before spending more than 35 years as a guidance counselor in the Laurel City Schools.
- Robert Earl West, Sr., born August 14, 1960, died March 20, 2025. Robert worked as a truck driver for Whitestone Transportation.
Mid-March Farewells
- Marilyn Sharlene Smith Wagner died March 19, 2025, after a short illness. Marilyn was a graduate of Heidelberg High School.
- Daniel Preston Roney passed away March 18, 2025. Daniel attended Pleasant Ridge School and Calhoun High School, graduating in 1961. He and his wife were married for 61 years.
- Erma Lee Stennett died March 15, 2025, at the age of 94. Erma was a retired cosmetologist who worked at Erma Stennett’s Hair Styles. She also operated Reedy Creek Daylily Gardens for two decades.
Remembering Individuals with Diverse Backgrounds
The obituaries published in Laurel, Mississippi, offer glimpses into the lives of people from all walks of life. Here are a few recent examples:
Professionals and Tradesmen
- Larry Lowe was born on December 16, 1943, and passed away on March 14, 2025, at the age of 81. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked in the dental field.
- David Eugene Knight died on March 14, 2025, at the age of 54. He was married for 31 years and had four children.
- Charles Michael “Chuck” Edwards passed away on March 13, 2025. He owned the Tom & Calico Cat, a local business, for 40 years.
Community Contributors
- Ida Jean Daniels died on March 11, 2025, at the age of 89. She worked for Fine Brothers Matison and Laurel Machine and Foundry, contributing to the local economy.
- Charline Esther Quinn passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 84. She retired as a dietary aide from the Little Sisters of the Poor in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicating her career to serving others.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have recently passed away in the Laurel, MS, area. Their obituaries offer a small window into their lives, their accomplishments, and their contributions to their communities.
The Significance of Family and Community
When you read through the obituaries from Laurel, MS, and the surrounding areas, you’ll notice a few recurring themes: the importance of family, the value of community involvement, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy.
Family as a Central Theme
Family relationships are almost always highlighted in obituaries. Mentions of spouses, children, grandchildren, and extended family members are common, and family members are usually listed among those who survive the deceased. The obituary serves as a way to acknowledge the deep connections and relationships that defined the person’s life.
Community Involvement
Many obituaries also mention the person’s involvement in local churches and other organizations. This highlights the contributions the deceased made to the community, whether through volunteering, charitable work, or participation in local events. These details paint a picture of a person who was engaged and invested in the well-being of those around them.
Legacy and Remembrance
Finally, obituaries often describe the individual’s personality and legacy. They may mention specific qualities, accomplishments, or contributions that made the person unique and memorable. The goal is to provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, ensuring that their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew them.
Ultimately, these obituaries serve as a reminder of the importance of human connection and the impact we can have on the lives of others. They offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who, through their families, their communities, and their individual legacies, left an indelible mark on the world.
Analyzing Common Themes and Life Patterns
Reading through obituaries, you start to notice patterns. The lives of the people in these notices, though unique, share common threads. The obituaries often highlight key aspects of a person’s life, giving us a glimpse into what mattered most to them and to the people who loved them.
Career Paths and Work History
Many obituaries dedicate a significant portion to the deceased’s professional life. This often includes their occupation, the company they worked for, and how long they dedicated themselves to their career. Looking at obituaries from Laurel, Mississippi, you’ll see a range of employers represented, from BellSouth Telephone Company to Laurel City Schools and Whitestone Transportation. These details paint a picture of the local economy and the types of jobs that sustained families in the area.
Education and Personal Development
Education is another recurring theme. While not every obituary mentions formal schooling, those that do offer a sense of the deceased’s commitment to learning and personal growth. For example, Mary Jacqueline Ekes Meyers’ obituary notes her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, highlighting her dedication to higher education and perhaps suggesting a career path that valued academic achievement.
Hobbies and Interests
Perhaps the most personal and revealing details in an obituary are the mentions of hobbies and interests. These snippets offer a window into the deceased’s passions and what brought them joy outside of work and family obligations. Erma Lee Stennett, for instance, is remembered for operating Reedy Creek Daylily Gardens for two decades, showcasing her love for nature, gardening, and possibly, entrepreneurship. These details humanize the deceased and allow readers to connect with them on a more personal level, recognizing shared interests and appreciating the unique contributions they made to their community.
Closing Thoughts
Obituaries from Laurel, Mississippi, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived and shaped the community. They share important details about a person’s family, work, passions, and contributions.
More than just announcements of a death, obituaries act as lasting memorials, honoring the deceased and providing solace to those who loved them. They offer a chance to remember, celebrate, and learn from the stories of those who have passed.