Laura was born in Pickens on April 6, 1935, to the late Dock Mack Nealy and Mae Dodges Nealy. A woman of deep faith, Laura was a devoted member of Arial Baptist Church until her health began to decline. She had a true servant’s heart and dedicated many years to the Pickens County School District, retiring as a teacher’s aide in the special education program. She enjoyed doing word search, tending to her flowers, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. Her greatest joy was her family and she was blessed to see five generations in whom she instilled the values of family and faith.
Laura is survived by her beloved husband Garvin, of what would have been 72 years on July 11th; daughter, Jane Ooten; daughter, Linda Lucille Burgess (Keith); grandson, Charlie Crumpton (Jessica); granddaughter, Carissa Parnell (Jamin); great-grandchildren, Amanda Crumpton Russell (Jeremy), Greyson Crumpton, Isabella Crumpton, Ayden Crumpton, Maisie Lucille Parnell, Madelyn Parnell and Silas Parnell; great-great grandchild Remy Russell.
In addition to her parents, Laura is preceded in death by her two son-in-laws: Dale Crumpton and Marvin Ooten; and her siblings: Nancy Anderson, Nalmer Lewis, Inez Etheridge, Bruce Nealy, Leon Nealy, Bessie Dodgens, Bill Nealy, and Fred Nealy.
A visitation for Laura will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, South Carolina. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. A committal service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
