Laura Jackson Chambless' Obituary
Laura Jackson Chambless, born April 9, 1928, peacefully transitioned on October 22, 2018.
Laura was full of life and laughter. She always found the beauty and uniqueness in people, and they in her. Making lifelong friends easily, she was a gift to all of us and will be lovingly remembered.
She will also be remembered for her strong dedication to her faith, often teaching the ladies’ Sunday class at First Baptist Church.
In 1968 Laura and two other war brides enrolled together in the University of Florida. All three graduated magna cum laude. She then excelled as a teacher of literature and writing at Santa Fe College, where her classes were in demand. During that time, she also organized and held four writers’ conferences across the state, sponsored by the Florida Arts and Humanities Council.
Laura won the Florida Journalism Award for best newspaper series in 1980 focusing on Jimmy Carter’s family and hometown. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Leadership Gainesville Award given to a select few making significant contributions to their community.
A member of the Gainesville Woman’s Club for over 50 years, she held many offices on the board. She was also a charter member of the Jacksonville Woman’s Club.
Laura was a beautiful person both inside and out. Though she retired she never stopped teaching those around her. She taught people of all ages to love and have faith. Her children and family were her lifelong passion.
Born to Harmon and Eloise Jackson, she grew up in her beloved Athens, Georgia with sister Betty and brother Tom. Her father owned Jackson’s Grocery during the depression. She liked to tell how their home was the only one built in Athens one of those lean years. She said her father did it to provide work for those who needed it.
Laura was the proud and loving wife of AD Chambless, previously departed but still loved, along with her son Tom Chambless.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Sharon Sappington (Drew) from St. Augustine; and Kathy McCauley (Mac) from Gainesville; son Don Chambless (Cindy) from Jacksonville, and brother Tom Jackson (Sharon) from New Symrna. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Andrew (Judith)& Kevin Sappington (Stephanie); Richard (Emily) & Bryan McCauley (Gladys); and Dolph Chambless; as well as her great grandson, Andrew A. Sappington V.
The hours of every life are numbered; we are blessed for the many years we have had with her. She was a caring, loving and generous wife, mother and grandmother. She was a precious friend to many and a beautiful soul to all.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Avenue. The family will receive friends for one half hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Sweetwater at the Duckpond and Riverwood Lodge, who made our mother’s last few years a time of comfort, peace and love. Haven Hospice graciously provided dignity and serenity for Laura and her family. In lieu of flowers you may wish to honor Laura with a donation to either Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 or St. Francis House, P.O. Box 12491, Gainesville, FL 32604.
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