Laura Jean Birmingham

Laura was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Robert (Bob) Hoyle Birmingham who died on June 10, 2012.

Laura was a loving, devoted mother and is survived by her daughters, Laura Elizabeth Willmon (Shane Willmon) and Paula Ann Covey (Carl Covey), and son, Robert Welton Birmingham (Jeannine Birmingham). She is survived by six grandchildren, Robert Porter Birmingham, Kristen Blair Nanan, Christopher Covey, Deanna Covey, Joseph Covey, and Matthew Covey.

Laura was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Earline Gurley and two brothers, Joe Gurley, and Dwight Gurley. She is survived by her sister Helen Brooks.

Laura was a devoted member of more than 50 years of St. James Methodist Church. She was an active choir member and Director at times. She will be remembered for her beautiful, clear, soprano voice and the countless solos she sung over the years including Oh Holy Night, Great is Thy Faithfulness, and It is Well. Laura was instrumental in starting the Sewing Seeds Ministry at St. James, which has sewn over 2000 dresses for young girls in Honduras, Africa, and other international ministries.

Laura also directed the St. James Youth Choir in the late 1970s taking the youth choir on many tours. She and her husband Bob were also youth counselors at St. James for many years. She imparted the love of Christ and music to her children and many young people, and positively influenced their lives.

Laura was a dedicated gardener and nationally accredited flower show judge. She graduated from college at Arkansas State University and was a high school English teacher for many years in the Montgomery Public School system.

Laura will be remembered for her love of singing and her love of people.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James Pike Road Church Choir. (Vaughn and Ryan Road)

The family will receive friends and visitors from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 9 at Leak Memory Chapel with graveside services immediately following at Greenwood Cemetery.