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Laurie Sistrunk Obituary

SISTRUNK Funeral services for Laurie Ann Sistrunk, 54, will be held at 10am Tuesday in the chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S., with Rev. David Spaulding officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Born July 2, 1952 in Jacksonville, Ms. Sistrunk died Thursday, July 27, 2006 at her home. She was a retired attorney from the State of Florida Public Defenders Office. Ms. Sistrunk was a graduate of Englewood High School; received her Bachelors Degree form the University of Florida and her Law Degree from Florida State University; and was a member of Spring Glen United Methodist Church. Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Edith H. Sistrunk; a brother, Calvin H. Sistrunk; an uncle, Josephus P. Hunter, all of Jacksonville; two aunts, Helen H. Hamilton of Panama City, FL and Shirley H. Sievers of Jacksonville; and numerous cousins. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jul. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
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Patricia Atwood

July 24, 2020

I remember Laurie as a high school student in my English class. She was a bright star both academically and personally. Beautiful and intelligent, one of a notable group that made teaching a joy. I know all of you who were close to her as an adult miss her terribly. I am left with fond memories.

Jim Nixon

May 29, 2008

I experienced the distinct privilege of having Laurie for a close friend for many years during the 1970's. From our first weeks as freshmen at UF, I knew she was an extraordinary young woman. She was so intelligent, beautiful, friendly and fun, there was never a dull moment with Laurie! I won't ever forget her or the great times we had when she lived in WPB. I was stunned to learn she is no longer with us. I very much regret having not stayed in contact with her over the years. Our world is not as bright without her. I will always remember her beautiful smile, and miss her forever.

Art Waczkowski

May 29, 2008

I have recently learned that the most wonderful person that has ever touched my life is no longer with us. I am so blessed to have had the pleasure of calling her my friend while attending the U of F and am sorry to have lost touch with her over the years. She will truly be missed by so many people whose heart she has touched.

Cynthia Hunold

August 12, 2006

I am so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. I can still hear her laugh and see her smile. I know of no one who cared as much for her clients as Laurie cared. When I first started working for the Public Defender's Office, she was my idol. I admired her attitude, her intelligence, her devotion and her zest for life! She had such a positive impact on my work, and, I'm sure, on the work of many others. What could be at times the most stressful job ever, she could make fun--all the while inspiring you to do your very best for the client. She had a heart of gold. She often spoke of her love for her family. Please know that she was loved by many and that she will be deeply missed.

Sally Savage

August 4, 2006

It was with much sadness and regret that I read about Laurie's death....sadness for her family who will greatly miss her, and regret that I let so much time go by without making contact with such a dear friend. Laurie is one of my favorite memories of my tenure with the Public Defender's Office. Her infectious laugh could always make me smile, even when it was hard to find humor in the situation. Laurie always had the uncanny ability to see good in even the most difficult people, but it was never difficult to see the good in her.

Daniel Dropko

August 4, 2006

I will never forget Laurie. She was an inspiration to me as a young attorney, a valued colleague as I learned my profession, and a trusted friend always. To those closest to her, I send my heartfelt sympathies.

Patricia Atwood

August 2, 2006

I am saddened beyond words at Laurie's death. Throughout high school I watched her grow and mature into an intelligent and beautiful young woman. My sons, Gene and Rick, were both a part of that great group of students at Englewood that were so close. I had the pleasure of teaching her--an easy and pleasant task. We will miss knowing that one of ours is no longer with us.

Rudy Alcantara

August 1, 2006

Laurie, you will be greatly missed. What an incredible woman and wonderful friend. We will miss you greatly...though Debra welcomes you home.

God Bless.

Susan Haag

August 1, 2006

I worked with Laurie while I was with the State Attorney's Office. I respected her professionalism then and will always consider her a friend. She will be greatly missed by me and I will keep her family and friends in my prayers. I mirror what a lot of you have said. She was an amazingly generous and precious person and she enriched our lives immensely.

Lisa Steely & Larry Ruckel

August 1, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to Laurie's family. May you find comfort in your memories. We will certainly remember Laurie as a dedicated advocate for her clients and a fun loving free spirit who was adored by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Paulene Showalter

August 1, 2006

Edith: Your loss is one that will not lessen in the days and years ahead. However, may your many loving memories sustain you. The good Lord has an Angel who is causing everyone to laugh and have fun as she so loved to do. I will always cherish the years I had with Laurie at the PD office and the good "talks" we enjoyed. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Paulene Showalter, PD Office, Jax

Melissa Amos

August 1, 2006

My mom took care of Laurie and would often take my daughter Elizabeth over to her house during the day. I have never met someone soo generous and sweet that would go out of their way to make my family smile. May god be with your family during this time.

Love,

Missy & Liz

Gary Edens

July 31, 2006

Gary Edens-Englewood High School and Southside Junior High. We both grew up in Sans Souci.

Matt Myers

July 31, 2006

Though I only knew Laurie a short time, I can honestly say she had one of the sweetest spirits about her. Her personality brought a smile to your face even in the most difficult of times. I know that she will be missed by all who knew her, and there is a now a vacancy in many circles of friends. My best wishes and prayers are with her family and may God shed the peace and confort upon you that only he can give. Anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask.

Vickie Amos

July 31, 2006

You will be sorely missed Laurie. The time I spent working for you these last few years was a pleasure. Life will not be the same without you. To Edith and Family, my prayers and sincere condolences are with you. May the Lord give you strength in this difficult time. Once again, if there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to ask. I love you.

Preston Mighdoll

July 31, 2006

I have such fond memories of Laurie from our time as Assistant Public Defenders in West Palm Beach. Although we hadn't been in contact for many years, I always remember Laurie for her tenacity, good humor and devotion as an attorney. We all grew up together and I am so saddened to know she no longer walks among us.

Ross Clark

July 31, 2006

I was so sorry to hear of Laurie's untimely passing. She was smart, fun to be around, kind and one of the most genuinely nice people I've known.

Idalia Hartley

July 31, 2006

I was blessed to have had the fortune to have worked with Laurie.

Laurie was such a wonderful spirit. I have never known a person that would take the time to bond with everyone she came across like she did. Her honesty and her sense of humor will always be remmebered.

Debra Chandler

July 31, 2006

Laurie put sunshine & laughter into the lives of those who were fortuante enough to cross paths with her. Aside from being my friend, she my inspiration. Since my days as a baby public defender in West Palm I could always count on a Laurie story to give the impossible cases hope. My heart breaks at the thought that I won't hear her laugh or see any more of the crazy things she was known for.

Julie Greene-Miller

July 31, 2006

I just couldn't believe it when I heard of Laurie's passing. I worked with her at the PD's office for several years as an investigator. Getting a case from her guaranteed many laughs and interesting stories. What I think I remember most was that great smile! She was such a genuine, sincere person and an excellent attorney. She will be missed more than you know. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Matthew Shirk

July 31, 2006

I worked with Laurie at the PD's office. Our offices were right next to each other for over a year. She was such a fun person to work with. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Debra Billard

July 31, 2006

Laurie was a gifted attorney and a compassionate human being who truly cared about her clients. She was loved and admired by many and she will be greatly missed. I will always remember her great laugh, her spirit and her zest for life.

Jim Burke, Maurice Grant, Lisa Call, Lynn Bailey,Mimi Hannon and Joe Palmer Federal Public Defender's Office

July 31, 2006

We were very much saddened to learn of Laurie's untimely death. The world will be a lesser place without her presence. Laurie cared deeply about the legal representation of the indigent and each of her many clients over the years as individuals. Her intelligence, humor and wit, as well as her legal skills, will be sorely missed.

Lisa Paquette Varon

July 31, 2006

Laurie was a mentor and a friend at the Public Defender's Office in Jacksonville. She was an amazing lawyer, who cared deeply about her clients, and she was always so much fun to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.

Xenia Regalado

July 31, 2006

I was very saddened to hear of Laurie's passing. I worked some of her cases while she worked in our office and she was great. I will miss her laugh. My prayers are with you all in your time of grief and may her memories bring you comfort.

Rosalind Carter

July 31, 2006

To Laurie's Family:



No words at this time can express your sorrow and pain, but know that God cares for you, and He will see you through the difficult days ahead. Laurie was a kind hearted individual who never met a stranger. May she rest in peace.



Rosalind K. Carter

Public Defenders Office 4th Cir.

Jerry Sinclair

July 30, 2006

Laurie and I graduated from Englewood (1970) together. I remember her as a serious student always striving for the best. She will be missed.

Stuart Young

July 30, 2006

Laurie and I started together at the Public Defender's Office in Palm Beach County. She was extremely effective and had an incredible bond with her clients.She truely cared about the poor and disenfranchised and treated them as equals.

She was a true friend to all and always allowed them the benefit of the doubt. She had a great outlook on life and only looked for the good in people. We enjoyed some wondeful times together with Laurie driving that canary yellow Ford Pinto to the beach. We'll miss you Laurie!

Debbie Bowden Wilson

July 30, 2006

My heart is broken upon learning of Laurie's passing.Laurie and I were good friends from grammer school thru high school.With time, we grew apart.I will regret this for the rest of my life.If any good has come out of her passing, it is to show me just how fragile life can be. I have so many fond memories of she and I together.

May God Bless her soul. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Susan Brooks

July 30, 2006

I worked with Laurie in the Public Defender's Office for many years. She had an effervescent, irreverent, and infectious personality. She was also an excellent attorney. I am very sorry to hear of her passing, and I pray that she has found peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Terry Perry

July 30, 2006

Laurie will be missed by all who loved her. She was an amazing person and attorney. God Bless her soul.

Curt and Lisa Davidson

July 30, 2006

We are so sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. We pray for peace for the family and friends and the lives she touched through her life. We have fond memories of working with her at the Public Defenders office. Our prayers are with you.

Nancy Barnard

July 30, 2006

Laurie was a fun person to work with. I worked with her in 1988. I loved her sense of humor and laugh. You raised a wonderful daughter. She will be missed.

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