Laura Geneva Grigsby

Laura Geneva Gatlin was born on September 8, 1924 in Burtsell, Arkansas to Caesar and Cleo Welch Gatlin. Laura was blessed with God fearing parents who, by example, taught Christian values, and integrity creating a solid family environment. On Saturday, April 17, 2010 with her son at her side in her 85th season; she slipped the surly bonds of earth, trading time for eternity in the presence of the Lord. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Clair Baptist Church in Burtsell, Arkansas. She was a graduate of Rosston High School. Laura was affectionatley called "Mamie" by her close friends and family. In September of 1946 she became Mrs. Laura Grigsby when she married Hura Lee Grigsby and in 1947 the Lord began to add to their union two children, Hura Dean and Flossie Geneva. After 47 wonderful years sharing life with Hura Lee, her devoted husband was called to glory to be with the Lord in 1994. Laura was a faithful member of St. Clair. She was resourceful, energized, dedicated and served in any capacity wherever she was needed. She was a veteran of the Southwest District Association and a member of the Section One A Division Choir. She did some domestic work and worked as a certified nurse’s assistant at Hill Crest Nursing Home in Prescott, Arkansas. Some of her hobbies included singing and gardening. Those she touched and those who knew her witnessed her untiring love for God. In 2002 Laura was moved into Garland Nursing & Rehab Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas to be near her son. Laura was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She made many sacrifices in life to nurture and support her children. She preached kindness, respect to self and others. She was preceded in transition by her parents, one sister Lucy Hatley, and two brothers Floyd Gatlin and Sam Gatlin. Her love and devotion was shared by two children, Hura Dean (Brenda) Grigsby of Hot Springs, AR, and Flossie Geneva (Jesse) Sibert of Evanston, IL; five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, other relatives, numerous friends and the St. Clair Baptist Church family. Mrs. Grigsby will lie in state on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. and share with them the Images of Life DVD. The last farewell will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at St. Clair Baptist Church in Burtsell, Arkansas where Rev. D. B. Newburn is the pastor. Rev. Donald R. Crossely the pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas will deliver the message. The committal service and final resting place will be in St. Clair Burtsell Cemetery in Okolona, Arkansas.