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Laura Thurman Obituary
Laura grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from Lindbergh High school, and attended the University of Missouri, Columbia where she achieved a Bachelor and Master's degree in Child Family Development, and achieved a second master's degree at Stephen's College in Columbia, Mo. She taught at the University of Missouri for 15 years, worked as the administrator at Valley Hope in Boonville, and spent the remainder of her life as a therapist in Columbia.
Laura loved life, had a true heart of gold, was a selfless person, and known to be an incredible mother and grandmother who would stop at nothing to help her family. She had many friends who were touched by her loyal and vibrant nature. Laura enjoyed time on the beach in Port St. Joe, Florida, and loved taking family trips to Big Cedar in Branson.
Surviving are her husband, Donald Thurman, beloved daughter, Bethany Thurman, beloved grandchildren; Giani Parker and Genevieve Parker and a multitude of extended family members and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her son, Glen Thurman, both parents: Nelson and Marian Koerner of St. Louis, Mo, and her brother, James Koerner.
A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Donations are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Anonymous
January 11, 2024
I learned so much from her. I guess the #1 thing that sticks with me and that I use basically every day is H.A.L.T. H- hungry, A- angry, L- lonely, T- tired. Before reacting, check to see if you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired or a mix of them. Then you can decide what to say/do. I know I put in the work, and it was hard work, but she put in the work to help me too. She's the one that dealt with me when I was stubborn. She's the one that helped me heal and grow. She's the one that suggested to me I get tested and then got the diagnosis which changed my life and changed my self-esteem and understanding of myself. I miss her. She changed my life for the better and I always knew I could trust her and that she was a safe person.
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Tom Manczuk
September 14, 2023
She and Zoe used to call me Fred Hammurabi. I never understood why but it was fun anyway. Tom Manczuk 76er
Ben Stanfield
August 30, 2023
Never got to meet her but loved her.
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