Agnes Laughter

Agnes Laughter, 93, of Fairview, died peacefully Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late William and Blanche Freeman Marlowe. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, John Laughter (2005) as well as two brothers and three sisters.

The oldest of 12 children, as a toddler Agnes quickly became her “Mother’s helper.” Preparing meals, helping with siblings, working in the garden, gathering wood, picking berries, canning and many other chores, Agnes quickly became a person of service, anticipating others’ needs and how she could help. A genuine soul, she maintained this commitment throughout her life. Examples included making biscuits on her wood cook stove during a power outage, walking to deliver to a neighbor during a winter blizzard, picking produce from her garden, canning and giving away. A neighbor going on vacation asked Agnes to pick their blackberries. Rather than freezing them, she made jelly as a homecoming gift. Agnes never sat idle; she was always busy.

Agnes loved to sew, creating hundreds of quilts (and in the early years, clothes). Taught by her grandmother, she learned to copy crochet, embroidering handmade dresser scarfs and pillowcases.

An excellent homemaker and genuine Mother to many, Agnes always put others first, disregarding what her needs were. Everyone who knew Agnes was blessed by this wonderful soul given to us by the Creator.

She is survived by one daughter, Darlene Laughter and her husband, Don McNair; one son, Aubrey Laughter and his wife Jean; six sisters, Faye Hollifield, Frances Hall, Sue Swann, Barbara Ledbetter, Pat Hall and Geri Lamb; four granddaughters, Tonya Gray (Jim), Alyssa Laughter, Heather Clements (Casey) and Ashley Seale (Mike); six great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special close friends.

A private graveside service will be held.