Laura Faye Piggee

To her family and friends, she was also known as LaFaye or LarFaye. Laura was born to her

loving parents, Samuel and Tressie Mae Piggee, on Thursday, July 12, 1934, in Nashville,

Arkansas. Laura was the second child of 10 siblings. Laura and four siblings were born in

Arkansas before transitioning to a new state. At age eight, her family moved from Arkansas to

Arizona for a short period before moving to California. Her family expanded while they resided in

Bakersfield, she gained another brother. Her family eventually made a home in Stockton,

California. It is where her remaining four siblings were born to complete the “Piggee 10.”

Stockton remains the Piggee headquarters, where many family gatherings take place.

During her youth, Laura attended Stockton High School, now known as Edison High School.

She later attended Stockton College, where she majored in Administrative Assistance.

In the 1950s, Laura moved from Stockton to Santa Monica, where she was later joined by her

sisters Emma Jean and Elizabeth, who also relocated to Southern California. In 1957, she

became the mother of her only son, Frederick “Fred” Ward. She cherished her son and he loved

his mother tremendously. She later moved to Los Angeles,Ca, where she established her

forever home with Fred.

Laura’s professional journey in Southern California began in the late 1950s at the Plastic Glide

Corporation, a special time she shared working alongside her sister, Elizabeth. She later moved

on to the Santa Monica Bakery, where she delighted in honing her skills as a baker. This was

followed by a dedicated 25-year career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring in

1994, Laura eagerly began a new chapter by founding Piggee Cleaning Services, through which

she cared for businesses across the city. Her career of service eventually led her to provide

compassionate care for the elderly.

A woman of profound faith, Laura dedicated her life to the service of the Lord. As a longtime

member and usher at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, she found great joy in worship and

gospel fellowship. Her devotion extended to the next generation, as she hosted weekly Bible

studies every Friday for local youth, providing them with spiritual guidance and a safe space to

grow.

Laura’s legacy of compassion was felt by many; her home on LaSalle Avenue was a true

sanctuary. She served as a surrogate mother to many, frequently opening her home to ensure

family and friends always had a place to stay. If you stopped by, you could always count on a

fresh slice of her famous cake and a heartfelt conversation. Known for being "dressed to the

nines," Laura had a suit and hat for every occasion. This love for fashion and music culminated

in her membership with the National Quartet, where she participated in fashion shows and

performances nationwide. Between gardening, sewing, shopping and thrifting for "the good

stuff," Laura lived a vibrant life full of creativity and compassion.

In her latter years, she suffered medical ailments that slowed her movement, but she remained

mobile as long as she could. She continued to visit family and friends, especially her son Fred in

the hospital. She remained active until her body no longer allowed her to continue. Laura

passed on Christmas Eve afternoon, December 24, 2025. She was greatly loved and cherished

by many.

Laura was preceded in death by her father Samuel Piggee; mother Tressie Mae Piggee; sisters

Corneliue Jo Jones, Mae Lillian Smith and Elizabeth Ann Turner; brothers Samuel Piggee, Jr

and Douglas Wayne Piggee. She is survived by her son Frederick Ward and daughter in law

Joyce Ward; grandchildren LaTeika Ward, Jamel Ward, Alexander Ward, LaTora Ward, Lauryn

Ward and Marcel Ward; great-grandchildren Keith Campbell, Lonnie Ford, Rakim Ford, Janelle

Ward, Aniyah Ruby Ward, Alexander Ward, Jr, Lalani Brown and Cash Ja’Quan Alexander, Jr;

siblings Emma Jean Dabney, Charlotte Laverne Piggee, Carolyn Louise Turner and brother

Charles Edward Piggee; and a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up

for me a crown of righteousness

II Timothy 4: 7-8