Laura Ferguson Childress of Keysville, Va. peacefully transitioned from her earthly life to her eternal life with her Heavenly Father on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the age of 85. Laura fought a valiant 15 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Laura was born on February 26, 1934 to John and Maria Ferguson in Meherrin, Va. In October of 1951 she married her sweetheart, James P. Childress. They later had three children. Her faithful and loving husband of 67 years remained steadfast by her side all of her years. When sickness came, he became her rock and took care of and loved her until the very end.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and loving mother to her children she was involved heavily in her church, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist. She was a choir member, member of the UMW and a Sunday school teacher for many years. In her spare time Laura loved to sew for her family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking and baked birthday and wedding cakes for the folks in her community. Her contagious laugh and sweet, sweet spirit drew people to her. Throughout her life she held an unwavering faith in God which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Laura joins her parents, John and Maria, her brother Johnny and her daughter Maxine in heaven. She is survived by her husband J.P., daughter Lisa Emerson (Warren), son, Jimmy Childress (Johnna), sisters, Betty Hammock and Ruby Amos and a brother Tubby Ferguson (Gracie), seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Wed. May 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church’s fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by calling 800-708-7644 or by mail to: PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of the arrangements.