Laura Mae Irvin McNeil and brothers Charlie Lee Irvin and Louis James
Irvin were born in Plantersville, Alabama to the late Virgin Irvin and
Nellie Bell Miree Irvin.

Later her father married Pearlie Godwin, and together they had children:
Ollie Mae, Sarah, Lillian, Virgin, Jr., and Lille. When Laura was eight
years old the family moved to Fairfield. She attended the public schools
of Fairfield through the 11th grade. She moved to Lynch, Kentucky,
joined Goode Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, and graduated from Lynch
High School.

Two years later she returned to Fairfield. In 1946, by Christian
Experience, Laura joined Thompson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.
While attending a social event at Fairfield's American Legion, she met
her soulmate for life: a friendly, handsome, debonair U.S. Steel worker
named Perry Henderson McNeil. She affectionately called him "Honey."
They married and had three loving children: Beverly Ann, Brenda Joyce,
and Perry Jr.

December 28, 1996, they renewed marriage vows and celebrated their
50-Year Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Fairfield Civic Center.
They were married for 55 1⁄2 years prior to his death.
Laura found her niche in healthcare while working from 1956-1958 as a
Private Duty Sitter for patients at Lloyd Noland Hospital. She attended
Wenonah State Technical and Vocational School, received State
Certification as a nurse's aide and was then officially hired by Lloyd
Noland Hospital. She retired in 1988 after 29 years of service.
Adamant about giving God praise and worship, she served in numerous
capacities at Thompson Chapel for 76 years: Class Leader, District
Conference Worker, Lay Council Member, Willing Worker's Club,
Hospitality Committee, Church Anniversary and HomeComing
Chairlady, and from 1996-2015 President of the Choir. When her health
began to fail, she was appointed President Emeritus of the Choir. She
was always committed to attending and absolutely loved Sunday School.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother, her husband
Perry Sr., son Perry Jr., daughter Brenda Joyce, great-granddaughter
Nikiya Mone Pittman Kennedy, and six siblings.

Leaving to cherish her memory: daughter, Beverly Ann (Ronnie) Bates;
son-in-law, Stanley Pittman; four grandchildren, Kimberly LaNell (Lee)
Green, Michael Pittman, Perry H. McNeil, III, and Ebony (David) Hill;
six great grandchildren, Breanna and Lauryn Green, Ethan and Skyler
Hill, and Kaylah and Brendan Pittman; one great-great-grandson,
August Kennedy; one great-great-granddaughter, Siani Kennedy; one
sister, Lillie Irvin Jones; a host of nieces and nephews; and those dear to
her heart, Gwendolyn and Larry Morning, Mrs. Katherine Halsey, and
Ms. Hearlean Crawford.