Laura Leigh Thomas (Lori), 53, of Orlando, Florida gained her eternal wings on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Laura (Lori) enjoyed her position at Matthews Bus Alliance as their Internet Sales Manager. Lori was an avid traveler who loved seeing the world. She played the guitar, had won an art scholarship, earned an accounting degree, served as an LPN at Florida Hospital, and was an aerobics instructor. Lori found great joy in spending time with her family, her beloved dogs, and always doted on her two grandsons, Jude (13) and Jaxon (10).
Lori is preceded in death by her parents, Mary “Bernice” Bakes, William Lawrence Payne, Sr., and Dawson W. Bakes “Doc,” and two brothers, William L. “Willie” Payne Jr. and Samuel B. “Sambo” Payne. She is survived by her life partner, Thomas W. Carter, her children Jonathan “Jude” Mattingly (Newt), Samantha Jo Carter, and other children include Hayley Rae Carter-Fredrickson, Hunter W. Carter-Fredrickson, Chad Duke Carter, and Courtney J. Carter, and grandchildren Jude & Jaxon Mattingly. Her siblings are Pam Drury (Larry), Pat Payne, Gayla Clements (Doug), and Tracy Seabrooks (Jerry). Lori is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL. Following the memorial service Ms. Thomas will be traveling to Bosley Funeral Home in Lebanon, Kentucky. Viewing for the family will be at Bosley Funeral Home on Friday, October 18 at 3:00pm, and for the public from 4pm-8:30pm, with a prayer service at 7pm. Mass will be held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00am, with interment at the church cemetery following Mass.
As Lori was a survivor of childhood cancer her family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis,TN.
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