Laurel Jean Erwin

Laurel (Laurie) J. Erwin, age 69, passed away quietly at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 following a brief battle with cancer.

Laurie was born in Lima, OH to Charles and Madeline Foote. Her childhood was filled with riding horses, raising sheep, 4H, the Rainbow Girls and her church youth group.

She received her B.S. in Education from Defiance College, Ohio where she met her husband, Richard. In 1972 they moved to Pensacola where they raised their three children. Laurie was a long time educator, teaching in Ohio, Illinois, and Florida. She retired from Bailey Middle School in 2005.

Laurie was a devout Christian. She was a faithful member of the Lillian United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School. Prior to that, she was a member of Cornerstone Bible Church where she also served as a Sunday School teacher and pianist. A woman of great faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she spent her life as an example of a Godly wife and mother. Through her faith she led her children to salvation in Christ. Her greatest legacy is that all of her grandchildren have also accepted Christ as their Savior. A beloved Bible verse of hers was John 3:16. We rejoice in knowing that Laurie is enjoying that promise now.

Laurie will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She was well known for hosting the annual Thanksgiving dinners and July 4th picnics at her home. During these gatherings Laurie welcomed with open arms many additional friends, old and new. Laurie also loved camping and fishing. She and Richard camped throughout the country, often spending summers visiting family in Ohio.

She had an amazing love for animals including her cats and horses. As a child and until her illness, she enjoyed horseback riding and caring for her horses.

Laurie is survived by her husband of 49 wonderful years, Richard Erwin; sons Joseph Erwin and Toby Erwin; daughter Valerie Erwin Prevatte; son-in-law Jeffery Prevatte (Valerie); daughters-in-law Karen B. Erwin (Joseph) and Karen M. Erwin (Toby); grandchildren, Preston and Vivian Prevatte and Emily Lauren Erwin; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded by her parents, Charles and Madeline Foote, brother, John Foote, sister-in-law, Barbara Foote, and beloved Aunt Lou.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30th , 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road in Pensacola. Funeral services will be held at Lillian United Methodist Church, 12770 Perdido Street in Lillian, AL with The Reverend Daniel Randall, presiding, on Saturday, December 31st at 10:30 AM. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations may be made to Gideon's International (P.O. Box 1582 Foley, AL 36536) for the purchase of Bibles to be placed in Laurie's memory.

The family is grateful to all the friends, family and neighbors who have been so loving and caring during this difficult time.

Arrangements under the direction of Oak Lawn Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL.