Laura Mildred McLaurin (Holmes).
Laura Mildred McLaurin (Holmes) began her new rest-free life that God prepared for her on Thursday, March 16, 2023. She was born March 20, 1928, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was one of nine children born to the late Edward and Libbie McLaurin.
Mildred, as she was fondly called, married Vinston Holmes at an early age and from this union, Linda and Vinston Jr. were born. Many years after her first husband’s death she found love again and married Edward Underwood in 2010. This marriage flourished until his transition.
Mildred was educated in the Cumberland Country School System. After graduating from Armstrong High School, she went on to pursue classes in Education at Fayetteville Teachers College, currently known as Fayetteville State University. She did not complete her formal studies because of an employment opportunity at the Ft. Bragg Post Exchange. Her leadership and insights capabilities managed to generate over 30 years of service dedication and hard work upon her retirement. Mildred was recognized for being among the first black female employees to serve as a cashier. Her drive and determination led her to enhance her managerial responsibility to oversee the daily operation, making sure everything ran smoothly and effectively at the Exchange.
Mildred cherished people with compassion, especially her family. She looked forward to family reunions and the fellowship it generated. Mildred also had a passion for cooking. Those pots were always full of her favorites and awaiting the arrival of family and friends to drop in to fill their plates until the pots were empty. She loved shopping and believed there was always room in her closet for the latest fashion. The closest thing to her heart was spending time with her grandchildren. Regularly, she traveled to St. Thomas to see her granddaughter’s dance competitions. It gave her joy to laugh, one unlike no other, that could be recognized anywhere.
Above all, Mildred love and trusted the Lord. She was a faithful servant that worked diligently at the church she loved sincerely, Lock’s Creek AME Zion. If there was a committee that needed her, she would answer the call enthusiastically and in anticipation of accomplishing planned outcomes. Mildred wore many hats of service such as a Meals-On-Wheels Volunteer, a Senior Choir Member, Usher Board Member, the Kitchen Staff and other ministries until her health interrupted her zeal.
Preceding her in death are both husbands Vinston Holmes, Sr. and Edward Underwood; her son Vinston, Jr.; two grandsons, Sherrod and Marshall; two sisters and five brothers.
Mildred leaves to cherish her memory and is survived by her daughter, Linda Hamilton; a brother, James Earl McLaurin (Marie) of New Haven, CT; a daughter-in-law, Laura Marie Holmes of Wade, NC; sister-in-law, Frances McLaurin of Fayetteville, NC; her grandchildren, Vinston Hamilton (Sulema), Lia Davilla (Dwayne), Marcus Hamilton (Samantha) all of New Haven, CT; her great-grandchildren Denisha, Brock, Laiyah, Winston, Jr., Syrus, Ishmael, Ibrahim, Josiah, KaiAviah, Caleb, Carter, Derrick, Jr., Darius, all of New Haven, CT; Vinston “Nudie” Thorpe of Fayetteville, NC; a special Goddaughter Rosalind Williams of Fayetteville, NC; best friend, Hazel Stubbs of Eastover, NC; two helpful friends Tamika Douglas and Kamesha Holland; and multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She will be missed dearly yet we know the Lord has a shining star.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV): And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Service Details: Monday April 10th at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services. Visitation at 3 PM – 5 PM.