Doris Ann Laughner, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, at Ridgeview Terrace in Rutledge, Tennessee, at the age of 79. She was born on September 12, 1943, in Thornhill, Tennessee, to the late John Laughner and Susie Mae Slaton Laughner.
Doris Ann's early life was marked by tragedy when she contracted Polio, which was later complicated by Meningitis. Sadly, her mother, Susie, passed away in 1944, shortly after the loss of their young son, J.W., in 1942. In the midst of these trying times, Doris Ann and her brother Delmas found solace in the loving care of their grandparents, Rev. JH and Mollie Laughner, who graciously welcomed them into their family.
Doris Ann, affectionately known as Dobie, developed a strong faith at an early age and was baptized into Cedar Springs in 1953. She pursued her education diligently, graduating from Washburn High School, Morristown Business College, Cooper Institute, and attending LMU.
Throughout her career, Dobie made significant contributions to the Grainger County School System and served with the Election Commission. She was known for her dedicated work and commitment to her responsibilities.
Although Dobie never married, she enjoyed managing her grandparents' estate and had a passion for travel, often visiting friends in Florida for special occasions. Her ambivalent nature made her a unique individual, and her friends appreciated her independent spirit
Doris Ann was preceded in death by her parents, John and Susie Slaton Laughner, her brothers J.W. and Delmas, and her beloved grandparents, Rev. JH and Mollie Laughner, who played a vital role in her upbringing. She also mourned the loss of several uncles, an aunt, and numerous cousins.
She is survived by her loving aunt, Joann Hipsher, and her three children, Randy, Wendell, and Darrell. Additionally, she leaves behind her cherished cousins, Debbie Atkins, Stanley, Dan, Jim, and Janice Coffey, along with many dear friends who will always hold her in their hearts.
Family and friends gathered on Saturday, April 22, 2023, to pay their respects to Doris Ann. Visitation took place from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Smith Reagan Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 pm. A procession then proceeded to Clements Cemetery in Thorn Hill, Tennessee, for a 1:30 pm burial, where she was laid to rest next to her loved ones.
The services were entrusted to Smith-Reagan Funeral Home of Rutledge. For more information, please visit www.smithreaganfuneralhome.com.
Doris Ann Laughner will be fondly remembered for her resilient spirit, her dedication to her work, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that she made a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Family Members
Parents
John Laughner
1913–1985
Susie Laughner
1915–1944
Siblings
J W Laughner
1935–1942
Delmas D Laughner
1938–1974