Ursula Maria Modlin

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 10th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Church Spirit and Cocktails, 213 West Main Street in Clayton.

Ursula was born in Berlin, Germany, on July 7, 1943, to the late Otto Schmidt and the late Polagya Vegunora Schmidt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashley Lauren Annis,

She was, in every sense, a force of nature. A proud German woman, Ursula lived her life with strength, resilience, and a fierce determination that left an impression on everyone she met. Tough when needed, but full of love and heart when it mattered most, she was an unwavering presence in the lives of those who knew her. Her family, especially, knew her as someone who would do anything for those she loved.

For many years, Ursula worked as a teacher’s assistant, making an impact in the lives of countless children. She didn’t just teach them — she showed them the power of persistence, the importance of standing up for what you believe in, and how to find joy in the simple things. Whether it was through her love for travel, her passion for gardening, or her skill in the kitchen, Ursula lived life with conviction.

She was a woman who had seen the world, but always found time for the little things — her daughters, her grandchildren, and the life she built here in North Carolina. Ursula enjoyed reading, sewing, and photography — all ways for her to capture the world around her and share it with others. Her grandchildren will forever be grateful for all the postcards she sent from her many adventures!

Ursula is survived by her two daughters, Kim Annis and her husband Mark, Michelle Johnson and her husband Brad, and her three grandchildren, Parker Annis, Chandler Coughlin, and Chase Coughlin.

Her legacy isn’t just in the memories we’ll keep — it’s in the way she shaped us, taught us to stand tall, and never gave up on what mattered most. Ursula leaves a hole in our hearts that will never fully heal, but her strength and love will continue to carry us.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the family.