Anne Elizabeth Searcy Laughter, 90, passed away peacefully in her home on May 8, 2022. She was born August 1, 1931, in Hendersonville, NC to Jeter and Pauline Searcy. She met her future husband of 72 years, Clarence N. Laughter, Jr. at Edneyville Elementary School and upon her high school graduation they married on August 28, 1949.
Anne and Clarence lived together in the Bearwallow Valley Community where they worked to build a successful apple farm and raised three daughters. They were always by each other’s side no matter whether working, gardening, or traveling and loved each other unconditionally. Anne was a wonderful country cook who enjoyed sharing her dishes with her family and friends, particularly her homegrown green beans (Mamaw beans), potato salad and delicious desserts. A talented seamstress, her hobbies also included needlework and crocheting countless afghans which she generously gifted to those she loved on special occasions.
Anne was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church for over sixty years. During those years, she directed the children’s nursery and worked with the kitchen committee to plan, decorate, and cook for many special events.
Anne was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Janet Darcell Laughter; siblings, Yates, J.P. “Bub”, June Wright, Frances Capell, and baby brother, Johnny. Survivors include her husband, Clarence; her brother, James “Jim” Searcy (Marie); daughters, Shirley Hill (Ken), Patsy McDaniel (David); grandchildren, Keri Hill Shelton (Joel), K. Adam Hill (Connie), Joanna Hill Ashe (Graham), Matthew Phelan (Virginia), and Laura Phelan Black; great-grandchildren, Colby, Graham, and Scarlett Hill, Rami and Ada Shelton, Natalie Black, Eliza Grace Ashe, and Harris Phelan; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Please join us Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM for family visitation in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 538 Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, NC with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 AM. The service will be officiated by Rev. Phillip Capell and Rev. Craig Stepp; with Graham Ashe, K. Adam Hill, Matthew Phelan, and Joel Shelton serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fruitland Baptist Church, 150 College Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.
So very sorry for your loss my Dad was Garland King and my mom is Millicent King. They were good friends with your Mom and Dad. Your Mom was such a sweet kind lady and your Dad has one of the kindest sweetest smiles . God Bless your families
Dear Shirley, I just saw this about your Mom’s passing, I am SO sorry! We know that we sorrow not as those without hope, but that does not fill the void our loved one leaves behind. I pray that our LORD will wrap His loving and comforting arms around you in the days ahead as you pick up the phone, look at a photo, hear a story…and reality comes in like a flood. You were blessed to have had such loving parents for so long and I know the wonderful memories you have of your Mom and that time together, will sustain you through this loss. Love, hugs and prayers, Susan and Jim Dubick
Shirley & Patsy,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ann. Her passing leaves a hole in your hearts. Please give our love to your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Have the family of Ann n our thoughts and prayers
Sorry for your loss. Ms Laughter was always kind loving and caring lady we will miss her. Love and prayers to all.
Laughter family, So sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
We remember the family years ago at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Joe & Marilyn Thompson
Sharon T. King & Tommy King
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with and your family.
Grateful for the fellowship shared, through the years, with Anne and Clarence, at church. Grateful also for Anne’s gift to me of one of her afghans – a beautiful shade of green.
With my heartfelt thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy.
Dear Patsy: I am sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family for the passing of your dear Mother. I have such fond memories of staying overnight with you after ballgames and your Mom fixing us the most wonderful breakfasts the next morning before school. I remember her making you beautiful clothes and seeing how much she loved you. She was so dedicated to your Dad and such a perfect couple they were. Know that I am thinking of you at this time and that I love you, friend. Our Mothers were the best! ❤