Laura Mimms

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Laura Mimms who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Fluff was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her, and let it be known just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Fluff knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Fluff was born on October 7th, 1931. She was the daughter of Grady & Willa Mae Seagraves. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and working at her parent's bowling alley. She grew up in Athens, GA home of the Georgia Bulldogs. Even as a youngster, Fluff learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life. Her early life was filled with many exciting experiences. Some of her favorite moments were spent at the bowling alley. She was always eager to go to Florida and Lake Burton, Georgia for vacations.

As a young girl, Fluff was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was raised with one older sister Sara Ann. Like two peas in the pod, they were very close. They enjoyed their many trips to the beach and mountains. Fluff tried her best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For her, this was the natural order of life. She was also close to other relatives; Fluff's extended family included her neice Cindi.

Fluff’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Fluff enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports she enjoyed playing during childhood included bowling. Being a natural leader, she enjoyed playing games with her friends, especially bridge, tennis, puzzles, and boardgames. Some of Fluff's biggest accomplishments during this time included many awards for being a straight "A" student.

Fluff was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how she approached her friendships.

Fluff felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, she maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, she was always organized.

In school, Fluff was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Fluff was always good at following directions and meeting her deadlines, whether they were set by her teachers or self-imposed. Fluff’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Athens High School. She really enjoyed her high school English Class.

While high school was to be taken seriously, Fluff knew that there was life outside of the classroom. She approached all of her leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that she used in school. Still, she enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Her interaction with others in her circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around her well-grounded. Those close to her came to expect her high standards. When Fluff and her friends got together, they would.

Fluff seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what she undertook, she treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Her sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas. Fluff was also involved in the community during her high school years. She used to. Fluff also did a bit of traveling during her high school years. She traveled to.

Fluff’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Her orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track, but often put her ahead of schedule. When Fluff saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in Education.

The college years proved to Fluff that the entire world was worth exploring.

Because she was such a straight-shooter, she developed a strong group of friends during her college years.

College often brings on a number of fun and offbeat stories about a person's living arrangements. It was no different for Fluff.

An objective and conscientious individual, Fluff reveled in the security of those closest to her. This was especially true with Billy J. Mimms. They first met at the bowling alley/barbaque place. A friend introduced him to Laura.

One of Fluff’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

A civic-minded person, Fluff was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. She was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. She was a member of several community groups. Being generous with her time and energy, Fluff liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset.

Fluff was ever watchful of her family. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed she was a bit overprotective because she maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But she would give her stamp of approval to any request, as long as she could see how it might be beneficial. She also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Fluff had three children, Melinda J., Robert J., Melissa L.

Fluff was a proud parent. She would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of her children.

Fluff liked to believe that she provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for her children. Fluff enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel.

Later, she was also blessed with three grandchildren, Jennifer, Ashley, Jamie.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Fluff was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, she was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Fluff upheld her high standards. Years ago, Laura worked as a secretary in Washington, D.C. Probably the most unique or interesting job Fluff ever held was as an Elementary School Teacher. Her primary occupation was working as a bookkeeper and housewife. She really enjoyed teaching and had an enormous passion for helping her students.

Fluff approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached other aspects of her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Some of those included reading Agatha Christie murder mysteries, gardening, bridge.

For Fluff, many things brought her a little bit of joy in life. She loved to go to the beach and listen to the waves lap up on the shore. Spring was her favorite time of year, when all the flowers come to bloom. Food was there to be enjoyed, especially her favorites, such as italian food and brunswick stew. Reading was very important and included any books by Agatha Christie. Laura's favorite movies included any James Bond movies, Gone with the Wind, and numerous old Classics. Her favorite music was big band.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Fluff to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She also enjoyed watching her favorite teams and events whenever she got the opportunity. She watched SEC football and rooted for her Georgia Bulldogs.

Faith was important to Fluff. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. She held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. Laura was a Baptist.

Fluff always seemed like the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. Her perspective on retirement was no different. Retirement finally arrived in 1986. She made sure that every detail had been pre-planned and attended to. She and her husband lived in a beautiful home on Londonberry Drive in Sandy Springs, GA.

Even in retirement she managed to keep in touch with old friends and make plenty of new ones. She still kept pets throughout retirement; they included Killer, her dog. She would go to McDonalds to purchase ice cream in a cup for the dogs.

In many ways, Fluff loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new and interesting activities.

Fluff Mimms left us on March 31st, 2011. She passed away St. Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, GA. She was 79. The cause of death was cardiac arrest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy J. And her sister, Sara Ann. She is survived by her children. Services were handled by Sandy Springs Chapel. Fluff was laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Park.

All who knew her would agree that Fluff was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly planted on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Laura Mimms did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.