At age 96, with nothing left on her to-do list, but most certainly a peppermint and a tissue in her pocket, Laura Mae Mayo Price left for Heaven on Friday, December 19th. She was born at home on Barbours Creek on March 27th, 1929, to Tom and Freennie Mayo. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Leo Wesley Price, daughter-in-law Carolyn Price, son-in-law, Sonny Huffman, great-granddaughter Charlotte Mae; her brothers Clyde “Bud”, Ralph, & Gordon “Tump” Mayo, and her sister, Mary Ruth Tripp.
Left to cherish a treasure trove of memories are her son, Leo Wesley Price, her daughters; Laurene & husband Clayton Abbott, Debbie Huffman, Paula & husband Chris Holtman; grandchildren, Jessica Breeden & husband David, Cole Huffman & wife Whitney, Brandon Montgomery & wife Mary, great grandchildren Jack & Zoe Breeden, Kayelynn Dickson, Carter Montgomery, Bode & Drew Huffman, sister-in-law Marie Anderson, and so many special nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved and loved to feed.
Laura was a founding member of First Baptist Church, New Castle, and in the most recent years enjoyed worshipping with her church family at Lighthouse Baptist Church, New Castle. Laura’s work history was varied and dedicated. She worked hard her entire life. She cared for children, was an accomplished seamstress, and an extraordinary cook. She worked a short stint as a restaurant owner and was a lifelong food critic. Laura loved to dance, but when the music stopped, her other hobbies were trying to make the perfect pound cake, feeding anyone who walked through her door, playing Rook with anyone willing to be beaten, rearranging furniture, tending to her flowers, and returning last week’s purchases and Christmas gifts the following week.
Laura, to many, but also Nanny to her family, will be remembered for her devotion to family and the miles she put on her rocking chair rocking grand babies. When they got too big to rock, she started putting miles on her car to Hamrick’s, and we wonder if, on the way to Heaven, she asked if she could just stop in and see what she could find. She could make something spectacular out of small starts, whether it be food, fabric, or fun. If luck in love could be measured in sweet tea, corn bread, and chocolate cakes, we were all the luckiest. She was fierce and funny and kept us all on our toes right until the very last day, never losing her sense of humor or her concern for her family and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hansbarger, Angie Gardner, and the staff of Heritage Hall, Rich Creek, for their wonderful care.