WILMINGTON--Lela Ann Gardner Laughter, 84, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on October 21st, a cool, crisp, and sunny Sunday morning. Born in the small Nash County town of Battleboro, NC to the late Elizabeth and Edward Gardner, she grew up in New Bern where she graduated from high school. Lela Ann graduated from East Carolina College with a BS in mathematics, and began her professional career as a mathematician at Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, VA. A year later, she began her teaching career in Norfolk, VA. It was there she met John, her loving and devoted husband. They married in May of 1958 and began their life together in Louisburg, NC. In 1969, John and Lela moved their family to Wilmington. After raising her 2 children, Lela Ann returned to teaching math and algebra at New Hanover High School. She retired in 1997.

Lela Ann is survived by her husband, John; her children: Elizabeth Laughter Rea (Dan) and John Gregory Laughter (Stephanie); her grandchildren: Jessica Rea, Haley Rea, and Dylan Laughter; her sister, Mary Elizabeth Gardner Owens (James); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dear friend and sitter, Clara Welch.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 4 pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Wilmington. The family will greet friends at 3pm in the Wesley UMC Fellowship Hall.

A special thanks to the staff at Trinity Grove Rehabilitation Center, Morningside of Wilmington, and Lower Cape Fear Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wesley Memorial UMC, 1401 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403 or the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington, NC.

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