Laura Patricia Redding

Services 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 299 Union Hill Drive, Forsyth, GA 31029. Burial in Rest Haven Cemetery, 525 Hwy. 83 South, Forsyth, GA. Service is scheduled to be Streamed Live on our Facebook page.

Public viewing will be Tuesday, September 23, 20205 from 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 PM. Keep the family in prayer.

Mrs. Laura Patricia Thomas Redding, daughter of the late Robert and Ruth Tooley Thomas, was born on March 7, 1945, in Forsyth, Georgia. She was the youngest of six children. On Friday morning, September 19, 2025, Laura peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Ellen; her brothers, Jon Paul, Julius, James, and Robert Jr.; and her beloved daughter, Stacey.

At an early age, Laura accepted Christ and united with Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Forsyth, Georgia. She served faithfully in many capacities over the years: singing in the youth choir under her mother's direction, later becoming choir director herself, and playing the piano for several Monroe County churches. She also served as president of the Mission and Women's Ministry, Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and a member of the Union Hill Breakfast Committee. Laura spearheaded the annual Christmas Food Drive, blessing many families in the community. She was known for preparing buffet-style meals for Rev. Whatley, his family, and visiting pastors during special church occasions. Before her health declined, she attended Sunday school, Bible Study, board meetings, worship services, and countless choir rehearsals. She joyfully prepared Holy Communion, Baptisms, and Christenings, and often lifted her voice in songs of praise.

Laura graduated from Hubbard High School in 1962. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Lewis Redding Jr. on June 6, 1970. She was employed as a machine operator with William Carter Company, Pridecraft, and Southern Textiles until she and Lewis retired together on April 1, 2007. In retirement, Laura treasured spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, and hosting family gatherings at their home.

Affectionately known as "YaYa" by her nieces and nephews, Laura will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family and faith, and her warm spirit. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, cheering for the Atlanta Hawks, watching both college and professional football, tennis, playing games on her iPad, and relaxing with her favorite television shows.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband, Lewis Redding Jr.; her loving daughter, Melissa Redding-Jackson; two cherished grandsons, Bryson and Braylen; her sisters-in-law Alice Thomas and Mae Dean Stokes; her brother-in-law Samuel Redding (Gladys) of Forsyth, GA; her sisters-in-law Annie Dean Pollard and Clara Robinson of Cleveland, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.