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Laura Lee McClanahan
Laura Lee McClanahan
Obituary
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Laura McClanahan Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
BJ Burton
June 28, 2025
Laura Lee and I went to college together. She was my first girlfriend at Kentucky Wesleyan College. She was 2 years ahead of me and after she graduated in 87 we tried to keep in touch but as the years past we slowly grew apart but I will never forget the fun times we had in college. Until this day I still remember her smile. Rest in peace Laura Lee.
May 17, 2014
Laura, it has almost been 4 years, hard to believe it has been that long. You are missed each and every day. Cathy Crosier still carries in a ring she wears, something you had printed about not having to play some type of game, kind of release for a one time thing. She showed it to us at the Celebration of Life we had for mom. I am sure you are both up there, dancing, celebrating, feeling no pain, just the pure joy of heaven. Please give mom a hug for us, and she can give one to you from all of us. Miss you sis!
Michael McClanahan
November 27, 2013
Hi sis, I know I talk with you, often, but wanted to check in say hello, let you know with this time of year, it will be the hardest, especially for mom. You kow how she is about family and the get togethers for the holidays, and even though she tries to hide it, you not being there, is hard, on all of us.
Mom finished her treatment for this second bout of cancer, but with the special treatment she went through this time, the docs are pretty sure they got it all, will do more pictures first of the year to verify.
I know you are up there watching over us, now able to dance and sing and be free of all of the pain you went through, and even though when I think of that, I am happy the pain is gone, you went through more than anyone should ever have to, but I so miss you, our talks, our disagreements, even our fights, but would never want you back, if you had to suffer the pain and continuous struggling every day. I wish I could have given you my transplanted organs, to get you off the dialysis, docs said it wouldn't work though. I know you hated that treatment, more than you ever let on.
Know you will be with us, as always, in these coming weeks with the holidays, and at the family lunch tomorrow at Jackies, try and drop in, maybe hold mom, let her feel you there and let her know you are OK.
Love and miss you,
Mike
June 21, 2011
Well Laura, as of right now, you are on line permanently. This is more than you were ever on before, but I couldn't let this go.
I still pick up the phone to call you, when I see commercials for Olive Garden and Red Lobster, when they are having the special you like, to see when you want to go. Maybe I can come here and write to you when I see one, or just talk to you, as I do so often.
You are never forgotten sis, and because of that, you are still here, with us all.
Love ya!
.o)
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May 22, 2011
Laura, it has been a year today since you left us, and your pain went away. You have no idea how much you are missed, how often something I/we see, that reminds us of you. Could be a commercial, or something someone says, or something in Walmart. today I saw many things that made me think of you.
You are missed every day sis, by not just me, but by all of us, and by friends that I run into. Time may have passed, but you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be.
I love you Laura.
Mike..your favorite brother
December 25, 2010
Hi sis, well, today is Christmas, and have had a tough time, today, yesterday at the family gathering, as well as at Thanksgiving last month. As mom said the blessing, she almost started crying.
While out shopping for Christmas gifts, and even just doing grocery shopping, and watching QVC, I kept seeing you there, things you would have gotten for the kids, or things like gift cards you used to get people, as well as many of your favorite items from QVC. I said, Laura would be getting this or that.
I know what I am feeling is selfish, it is me missing you, wishing you were still here, but only if the pain could be gone, I would never want you to be back, and still with us, if you were still having to suffer the pain you did every day. I don't know how you did it sis. You always told me that you were not me, that you couldn't handle things like I do, but trust me, you are my hero, you went through more and put up with more than I ever had to.
I miss you, we all do, but we know you are in a better place, no more pain, no more suffering. Know you are always with me sis, in little ways, and big ways. I love you.
Your favorite Brother!
September 28, 2010
Hi Laura, tonight I was sitting here, and out of no where began to just cry, calling your name. I miss you Laura. I am sorry for all the times I didn't do more, didn't try harder. You never gave up, you were still always thinking of others, didn't matter how bad things were. You're my inspiration sis, and you have no idea how much I miss you, and would have given up my organs, immediately, if you could have used them to get off of dialysis, and gotten rid of the diabetes, I even asked, at least twice, but the docs said no. I hope you are smiling, dancing, and having conversations with granny and uncle Brute.
September 12, 2010
Laura, a day doesn't go by that something doesn't happen, where we will say, Laura would have said this, or Laura would always do....
Even things that happen, will bring back comments that you would always use, based on the situation.
I miss you sis, as so many others do too.
Mary Jett Burk
August 30, 2010
Laura Lee and I attended Ky Wesleyan together, were friends, and she even spent a Thanksgiving with me and my family. We lost touch after I left. I decided to get online and find her, only to see that she has passed. I'm so very sorry for your loss. She was a very smart, and special women.
Mike
July 5, 2010
Laura, I went to the zoo today, they have baby tigers that you would love. I think of the day I took you down to see the baby bears. you sat on the bench as they [;ayed at your feet. I handed you one and you smiled and held it close, giving it a kiss. I took a picture of that and have it framed on my top of the entertainment center. I look at it often, and see you smiling, you had not done a lot of that for some time. I am glad I could bring a smile to your face that day. I miss you sis. Love you always.
Mike
Jackie Porter
July 3, 2010
I think Laura would be pleased to know that we have set up a Laura Lee McClanahan Memorial Fund with St. Jude Hospital. You can visit her Memorial page, sign the guest book and if you would like, make a donation in her honor at any time. Visit her Memorial page by pasting this url into your browser:
http://stj.convio.net/site/TR/Events/Tribute?pxfid=26450&fr_id=1341&pg=fund&et=94FaOh5FK477xzq2BbD6wg..&s_tafId=4304
Mike/ Brother
June 26, 2010
Hi Laura, we had the sale at your house today. We had a good turn out, several people that came we found out work for Carilion, one girl was a girl you worked with in the ER. Her sister just moved to town and needed many things for her new place. She got the bed in Andrews room, as well as many other items. We talked about you with so many of the people, all who gave there support for us losing you. I think you shoudld be happy with who received many of your things, they seems to be who will enjoy what thay bought, the same as you did. We will be there again tomorrow, keep an eye on us please, we need our special angel watching over us.
Love you!
Mike McClanahan
June 8, 2010
Laura, the docs said you would not last a year, but you never gave up, never gave in, always kept fighting the pain and difficlties each day... just to prove them wrong; That's my sis.
Laura, your pain is gone, no more fighting, no more suffering. I love you, you have always been, and will continue to be, my hero. Gone, but never forgotten.
LaWanda Hester
June 1, 2010
I light a candle for Laura McClanahan who was the light in our friendship. I cherish our friendship and the good times we had at work. I will miss her terribly.
Cat Clough
May 29, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Laura's passing. While I primarily knew her through my sister, Robin Clough Powell, I have warm memories of Laura from many occasions! She left this world way too early for such a young person (although I do believe her "soul" was definitely "old" {="that of one who 'knows'"}) Her sunny, giving and warm presence will be missed by many. The world has truly been blessed by having Laura here, regardless of how long or short her stay. My thoughts are with you all.
Cat Clough, Richmond, VA
Lauri Waterfield
May 28, 2010
I just happened to hear of Laura's passing (though I don't believe anything "just happens") and wanted to add my sympathy and prayers to those posted here. Sally was a good friend through school, and though I'd only met Laura a few times, she was effortlessly cheerful and positive- something that struck me all those years ago.
I am so sorry for your loss- may God hold your family closer and give you comfort and peace.
Roberta Dalton
May 27, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Although our lives have taken us in different directions, please know that you are in my thoughts often and in my prayers today as you grieve the loss of such a special girl. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Johnette Sowder
May 26, 2010
To the McClanahan family my deepest sympathy for Laura's passing. I worked with her in rhe emergenct dept. We had so much fun. May she now rest in peace. You are in my prayers.
Vana McClanahan
May 25, 2010
As the days pass may the memories of Laura Lee bring comfort to each of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these days. Love Always
Ronda Beard Rocchio
May 24, 2010
To the entire McClanahan family you have my deepest sympathy. Laura was one of the kindest people I have known. She cared tremendously about her family. I have not seen Laura in quite some time but she left an impression on me and I never forgot her or the kindness of the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Ronda (Beard) Rocchio
Tim Bonn
May 24, 2010
Sallie & family:
saddened to learn of your sister's passing--I am in Louisiana at present & will not be able to visit you, but please know of my sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers for you all
May 24, 2010
I was saddened to see Laura's obituary in the paper. I rejoice that she is now free and no longer bound by the illness of this life.
I first met Laura when I was in nursing school and then had the pleasure of working with her in the Emergency Department. We never had a dull moment!
I pray that God will help your hearts hurt a little less knowing that she is with Him.
joe guthrie
May 24, 2010
You were an inspiration...
May 24, 2010
Jack and Sid, Just read the obits and was shocked to see Laura's name. We are so very sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughs and prayers. Lyn and Betty Atkins
Sandy Wilson
May 24, 2010
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Laura's family. Having known and worked with Laura for many, many years at Carilion, I will always cherish her quick wit, warm smile, and sheer will and determination to live her life on her terms. She refused to let her illnesses define her and she fought a mighty battle. She is now pain free and I am sure she is running, laughing, and enjoying in Heaven all those things her body just wouldn't allow her to do anymore here on earth.
Sandy Wilson
May 24, 2010
We share your sorrow in the loss of Laura. Our memories of her are
filled with joy.
Carole (Grossman) and Arnie Baker
Chuck Garst
May 24, 2010
Very sorry to hear about Laura. We both attended Woodrow Wilson Middle in a bunch of classes together, and got to be great friends and went to one of the dances at Woodrow together. Later we both worked for Carilion and I would occasionally see her in the ER. My sympathies to the McClanahan family.
Greg Chappell
May 24, 2010
Laura:
I know the time we spent together was just a brief time in our lives, but I have so many great memories. We use to drive to Greensboro to go to the I-Hop since Roanoke did not have one, we would baby sit together at Lori Crawfords house and eat BBQ in Salem. I will miss you but I know that we will see each other again in paradise! I love you and celebrate the life you had during your short time. Until we meet again...
May 24, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss. I lived in the neighborhood growing up. I went to high school with Mike and Laura. Michelle Kunc Roberts
May 24, 2010
Jack and Sid, please accept my sympathy on the passing of your beautiful daughter. My heart goes out to the both of you. Please know that I am keeping the both of you in my thuoghts and prayers.
Emily Mills
Jennifer Slough
May 24, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Laura's passing! You all are in my prayers and thoughts. She will be greatly missed.
With Love,
Jennifer, Austin and Abbigail Slough
May 24, 2010
Sorry to hear about the passing of Laura. She fought a long hard battle but now is pain free & no sickness. God Bless the family during this time. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow
Jim & Mary Ruth Francis
May 24, 2010
Sid & JAck:
I can't imagine losing a child. Our deepest sympathies to you at this trying time.
May 24, 2010
Sweet Laura, may you rest in peace. My sympathies to all of you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Teresa Morgan Tipton
sylvia Lovelace
May 23, 2010
I just heard about her today. Im so sorry to hear about her passing. I always had a fun time when I sat with her. She will always have a place in my heart from the time I spent with her.
Sylvia Lovelace
May 23, 2010
I want you to know how sorry I was to read Laura's name this morning. I'm still right here across from where our children first went to school..Raleigh Court where she started out with Juddy. The days of the Orange Dog etc seem to have gone so fast. Usually I'm checking for my friends and now it seems as if we are looking at our children's. Please know that we all...Juddy, Mary and Jamie are thinking of you. I know it sounds trite but if I can do anything for you let me know.
Mary Anne with prayers and thoughts
Mary Anne Huff
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4257 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018
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