Georgia Lau

1946 - 2022

Georgia Lau
July 26, 1946 - June 4, 2022
Georgia Chree (Graeter) Lau, 75, of Baytown, Texas passed away peacefully at home on June 4, 2022 surrounded by her family following a long illness. She was born in the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California to Beverly (Benz) and Erwin Graeter on July 26, 1946. She was a 1964 graduate of Bay City High School where her father was a chemistry teacher. She went on to graduate in 1968 with dual bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. At Lamar she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority and met the love of her life, L. Clayton Lau III. Clayton and Georgia married in 1968 and celebrated 53 years together. They resided in Beaumont and Baytown, Texas raising three children.
Following in her father's footsteps, Georgia became a chemistry and biology teacher. She inspired many students in her 27-year career. Most of that time she worked at Channelview High School contributing beyond the classroom as Science Department Head, National Decathlon Coach and National Honor Society Sponsor. After retiring in 2005 she focused on her passion for gardening, volunteering extensively with the Harris County Master Gardener Program through which she received numerous awards and recognition for her service and dedication. Georgia also volunteered with the Catholic Daughter's Society and as a docent for the Wooster Common School.
Georgia played bridge with the same group of lifelong friends for more than 40 years. She also enjoyed playing Bunco, attending book club and lunching with friends since retirement. Georgia and Clayton traveled extensively meeting friends old and new along the way. She especially loved visiting gardens all over Europe, while Clayton photographed them.
Georgia is survived by her husband, L. Clayton Lau III of Baytown; her children, Melissa Chree McKinnie and husband John of Houston, Gretchen Marie Vogel and husband Russell of Humble and Luther Clayton "Luke" Lau, IV and wife Megan of Houston. She is also survived by seven beloved grandchildren; Caroline Chree McKinnie, Lauren Elyse Vogel, Meredith Paige McKinnie, Lance Alan Vogel, Mason Matthys Vogel, Thomas Clayton Lau and Charlotte Anne Lau; her brother Joel Graeter of Tyler, Texas; and many cherished extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Beverly Graeter.
The visitation is planned for 5 PM on Thursday, June 23rd with a 7 PM Rosary at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive in Baytown, Texas. Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 24th, 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Baytown at 800 West Baker Road. Reception to follow at Navarre Funeral Home. Honorary Pallbearers are the Harris Country Precinct 2 Master Gardeners.
Fond memories of Georgia and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com