Linda Anne Dockery Laughter
September 27, 1951 ~ May 23, 2024
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Swannanoa, NC
Linda Anne Dockery Laughter, of Swannanoa, NC passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was born in Asheville, NC and was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Dockery and Anne English Dockery.
She is survived by her husband, Dean Laughter; two sons; Justin Laughter and Adam Laughter; two daughters; Autumn Laughter Davall and Michelle Laughter; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her four brothers; Doug, Bobby, Kim and Scott.
Linda loved animals, especially dogs. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her friends and family.
She loved all of them very much. She will be dearly missed by everyone.
To celebrate her life, a pot luck cookout will be held at Charles D. Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC on June 30th, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Feel free to stop by, bring a dish and a chair to celebrate.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
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What a kind, loving & sweet person Linda was. Our love and deepest sympathy for her husband and children & brothers and many family & friends that will miss her so badly. May our God of comfort be with you to carry you through these difficult days. With warmest love ♥️
A truly sweet lady that I will miss. I worked almost 10 years with Linda at Mission and she made it bearable. Love and Prayers to Dean and family!
My heartfelt condolences to Linda’s family; her husband Dean, her children and her extended family. As are the typical Dockery family traits, she was kind, patient, generous and loving. And Dean a superb husband to her and one of most genuine human being ever. Will look forward to welcoming her back. My prayers are with the entire family.
Dear Dean and Family,
We were so sorry to hear that Linda passed away. Our hearts ache for you. Please accept our deepest condolences.
We pray for Jehovah to sustain you and your family through this difficult time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared with Linda.
We love you and will keep you in our prayers.
Such a time of sadness for all who knew and loved Linda. We send our love and sympathy as we grieve with the family.
May your loyal love rest upon us, O Jehovah,
While we keep waiting for you.
~ Psalm 33:22
How does one navigate this life without the kind soul that was Linda? We four Dockery boys only had one sister, but it was all we ever needed. Linda was a gentle twin of our mother—she possessed her decency, and sweetness, and an inate belief in the goodness of people. She was a mother and wife first, a sister and a grandmother, a friend ready to help with all the eager power of her quick and sure affection. I cannot imagine not being able to pick up the phone and hear your voice, to seek your advise, to plan some fun vacation or adventure. You shepherded me through our mother’s death twenty-three years ago, but who will now educate me in the tragedy of living without you? We love you Dean, and Michelle, Justin, Autumn, and Adam, and we share the sharp, present grief of Linda’s loss. Jesus’ promise of a resurrection of life rings in my heart, and will be my anthem until we meet again. I miss you already, almost beyond endurance, but I shall linger in memories until we are reunited in joy.
Linda has been a good friend of ours for 30 years. We have enjoyed getting to know her. She was so sweet to both of us even though she didnt know sign language but we managed to communicate well. She will be very much missed by both of us. Our Condolences to Dean, her children and her siblings. ❤️❤️❤️
To Dean and family
I cried today,I’m still crying.My most heartfelt condolences.
Grace,humor,kindness,and love to name a few is Linda,and an excellent cook.I still have recipes she shared with me that to this day I still prepare.What fun we had at work,nothing but fun memories for me.
Love you Dean
Tommy Tanya mcdevitt
Our hearts break, especially for Linda’s family. Because of her family, we were able to meet her and considered her a friend. But really like family. She had to be special to put up with four brothers. And yet she always had a gentle way about her. It is a loss for all of us but to those closest to her…. we feel your pain in our hearts. But at times like this, our greatest comfort is turning to Jehovah, the “God of all comfort”. Even with death he still gives us hope for the future.
A rare moment where I have no words.
Trying to cover the sadness by enjoying the memories of our childhood times together
It was always magical when the cousins got together I am very thankful for those days.
If my sister Ann was still with us she would tell you how excited we be when we learned of an upcoming trip to NC!
Linda was surrounded by the love of all her family and showed such grace when it came to her illness. She was so blessed to have such great brothers and husband.
I hope the sadness and pain will be eased by all the great stories that will be told and memories that will be shared
We send our love to you all
Chip & Paula
Linda I look at your photo and think this has to be a mistake they can’t be saying Linda is gone , Judy Pam Linda and myself did everything together after school we went out separate ways but the Love still lingered, rest for a while friend we will see each other again, Dean I feel your pain and your children and grands.
I’m not sure how Linda survived growing up with four younger brothers. She had to be tough. But she became the most gentle, sweet, and kind person. I can’t remember her ever raising her voice or expressing anger. When she married Dean, he became a genuine friend. When I moved out of home, I moved in with Linda and Dean. It just seemed like the natural thing to do. On another occasion, a friend and his family became homeless through no fault of their own, and Linda and Dean welcomed them into their home until they found another place to live. That’s just who they are.
We know we will see Linda again in paradise, where sickness and death will be things of the past. That hope is like an anchor that stabilizes us as we endure this hardship.
Dean, Michelle, Justin, Autumn, and Adam, we love you and are here to support you.
My heart breaks with the loss of Linda. I ache for her children who will miss her. I ache for Dean who cherished her so much. And her brothers who will feel her loss everyday. But the loss I also will feel. She was more like my sister than a sister in law. The memories I have with her from beginning with when I first started dating Kim…(Dean and Linda were our best friends) and then the wonderful times …vacations and milestones like the birth of our children. So many memories too numerous to count. All bonding experiences. What would I do without a wonderful hope of seeing her again in the resurrection. I love you Dean, Michelle, Justin, Autumn and Adam. I also love you too Bobby, Kim, Scott and Doug. I pray God spirit holds all of you up through this difficult time and gives you much comfort.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Dean and all those in the Laughter and Dockery families. Linda will be dearly missed and her beautiful smile, tender heart and her love for life will long be remembered. What joyful reunions await us when we greet our loved ones in God’s new world to come. We love you all very much♥️
So sorry to hear about Linda passing away I enjoyed working with her in the ER at Mission Hospital. Not only were we coworkers but we both were related to Mary Dockery she was my Great Aunt my Grandfather ‘s Sister and Linda’s Aunt her Husband Romulus was Linda’s Dad’s brother. I loved hearing Linda laugh! She was a hard worker and a wonderful person.
Our hearts go out to all of Linda’s family. She was a beautiful sweet soul. We only spent time with her and Dean on a handful occasions, but that was all it took to know how loving and precious she was….and just the same with Dean. We look forward to seeing her again with no pain and suffering. Keeping all of the family in our prayers.
By the time I came along, Linda already had 3 younger brothers and she was really hoping for a sister. So when our dad called from the hospital and told Linda that she had another brother, she promptly hung up the phone in disgust. But she turned out to be the absolute best big sister anyone could hope for. Much like Mom, she was always so kind, patient, and generous, and opened her home to her younger brothers almost every weekend while we were growing up. So many fun and wonderful memories with her and Dean. We all will miss her terribly, and I pray that God will bring comfort to Dean, the kids, and grandchildren, all of whom Linda loved so much.
While I was only around Linda twice in person, I feel as if I know her well because of two reasons—the stories Scott tells and the obvious deep love he has for his dear sister and the time I’ve spent over the years making “Dean and Linda’s Chili”! She made it the first time I was welcomed into a Dockery Family gathering and I’ve not made any other chili since. Words always fail me when trying to express my feelings at the loss of such a dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend (and cook!) Heartbroken always comes to mind first. Please know that my prayer is that our great God of comfort soothe you all in a mighty way.
I will always remember the first time I met Linda and Dean, me still a teenager and a bit nervous coming to Asheville for the first time, but very lovingly I was welcomed into their home, Linda was a generous host so down to earth, my nerves put to ease very quickly, from playing with their boxers with the tire swing, watching their children play, an awesome meal and funny conversations about the Dockery clan growing up, she always made me feel welcome. Soon becoming an awesome sister-in-law. After several years our family had the opportunity to move to Asheville, Dean and Linda opened their home to us until our home was ready to move into, always gracious, fun, loving and generous our transition went smoothly. I cannot say enough about this beautiful lady (inside and out) she became my sister, my friend and one I looked up to. Dean and Linda-the heart of the family. Linda you are already missed. I too so look forward to seeing you again and enjoying many more fun stories. Dean, Autumn, Justin, Michelle and Adam my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families through this tough time, as well as Linda’s brothers and families, Bob, Kim, Scott and Doug. I love you all!
When we think of Linda and, of course, Dean, we think of family. When we met many years ago, they took us in as part of their own family. Linda was not only kind but also incredibly easy-going, always making everyone around her feel welcomed and at ease. Her genuine warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on us. She had a unique ability to brighten any room with her smile and make everyone feel like they belonged. Her presence will be deeply missed.
We know Linda’s passing has left a huge void in the hearts of those she touched, especially her immediate family. We draw much comfort in knowing that soon we will have her welcome-back get-together, and we hope to be a part of that. For her, it will be as if no time has passed. It will be as if nighttime came and Jehovah’s beautiful morning wakes her up to be reunited with us.
Jehovah, being the God of all comfort, will soon make all this right. Isaiah 25:8 “He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.“ We pray Jehovah’s peace will sustain all of us, but especially her family. Love you all.
My Sister,
I’ve known Linda longer than anyone on earth even our parents. Her’s is the first laugh I can recall and her smile was always comfort to me. To be near her made you feel safe, valued, and loved.
When I left home, she and Dean welcomed me until I made a place of my own. They continued to welcome others and give shelter to many over the decades.
That’s who she was. Human or animal, she loved everyone.
My heart will be missing a piece until I see her again.
Deano, Autumn, Adam, Justin, and Michelle, I’m sharing in your loss, but what a fabulous example of love she provided for us to follow.
My Sister,
I’ve known Linda longer than I’ve known anyone, even our parents. Her’s is the first laugh I can recall and her smile was always comfort to me. To be near her made you feel safe, valued, and loved.
When I left home, she and Dean welcomed me until I made a place of my own. They continued to welcome others and give shelter to many over the decades.
That’s who she was. Human or animal, she loved everyone.
My heart will be missing a piece until I see her again.
Deano, Autumn, Adam, Justin, and Michelle, I’m sharing in your loss; but what a fabulous example of love she provided for us to follow.
Linda, like all of the Dockery’s, possessed an extraordinary kind spirit. She was patient and gentle, loyal and good. She welcomed everyone and every creature. Her capacity for compassion and love knew no bounds. Her life was a testimony of fruits of the spirit.
My heart goes out to the Laughter and Dockery families. Dean, Autumn, Adam, Justin, and Michelle, I pray your faith will guide and sustain you in the days ahead and we will rejoice when we see her sweet smile again.
Linda is a part of my DNA literally and figuratively. With our mothers being sisters and our fathers being first cousins, we always knew that there was a strong family bond. Those long childhood trips from Connecticut to Asheville in the mountains, which seemed like a magical place, held so much anticipation and never disappointed. When all the cousins were together there was bound to be chaos, laughing, adventures and misadventures and lots of memory making. Linda and when we were lucky and Susan was there too, were my compatriots while the boys who were all younger ran rampant. With only a quarter mile between their house and Grandmother and Grandaddy’s house, we went back and forth with ease and freedom. And when they made the trip to Connecticut it was the highlight of the summer. I am so lucky to have had my Dockery cousins. You couldn’t help but love Linda. So down to earth, practical, kind, generous and a delightful personality. I am immensely saddened to lose her and hope her family finds consolation in the life she lived and how many people she touched. Sending love to Dean and you all. She will live on in my heart and memories.
I am so very sorry for you Dean and the rest of your family! Please know that I pray our Father, Jehovah will wrap his comforting arms around you, calm your heart and give you peace as you miss her. She will wake soon and be so vibrant in health!Much love to your whole family!! ❤️
Dean, I have just seen that your wife has passed away; so sorry to read this. Love and prayers for you and your family. Patsy Wilson Merrill, Fairview