Laura Mae Freeman Blocker

Laura Mae Freeman Blocker, 81, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. Affectionately known to many as "Grammy Laura" or "Laura Mae," she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Laura was born on May 15, 1945, in Independence, Louisiana, near Amite, to Elizabeth Freeman and Willie Campbell. She was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans. On November 21, 1967, she married the love of her life, Murrie Lee Blocker, in New Orleans. Deeply invested in her community, Laura spent many years working within the school system as a dedicated substitute teacher and passionate school volunteer.

Laura was truly the heart of her family's lives. She dedicated herself to raising her children, teaching them by example how to be independent, compassionate, and resilient. As a grandmother, she poured endless love, support, and quality time into her grandchildren, offering a listening ear and spoiling them as only she could. Strong-willed and deeply caring, she was the one everyone called on for advice, a comforting word, or a good laugh to lift their spirits. While her absence leaves a profound void, her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Laura is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Freeman Brown; her father, Willie Campbell; her loving stepfather, Willie Brown; and two sisters.

She leaves behind a rich legacy of love and is survived by her three children, Murrie Lee Blocker, Jr., Courtney Freeman, and De’Shawn Patterson; her six grandchildren, William W. Pinkney IV, James Pinkney, Kendra Freeman, Kendell Marcell, Jr., Cyan Brown, and Skylar Martell; and her two precious great-granddaughters, Ki’Ari Anne’ Roberts and Lei’Annie LaSandra Pinkney, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.