Michelle Lee Laughter
October 31, 1969 ~ December 16, 2025
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Swannanoa, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailMichelle Lee Laughter, 56, of Swannanoa, NC passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Dockery.
She is survived by her father, Dean Laughter, a daughter; Chloe Fair, three sons, Trey Fair, Tyler Fair, and Tate Fair; three grandchildren; Naya, Navia, and Tiberius, a sister, Autumn Davall, and two brothers; Justin Laughter, and Adam Laughter.
Michelle was a skilled gardener and poet. She liked to spend her evenings painting. She was a fearlessly passionate and caring woman. She touched many lives and her unconditional love was contagious.
Services have not been planned at this time.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I remember the night Michelle was born–my brothers & I went off trick-or-treating while mom was at the hospital with Linda. In the following months, the house in Haw Creek was filled with the sounds of a baby squalling during bath time, and images of Linda & Mom changing diapers. Dean was always in the background, watching, helping as he knew how, at times looking like a bewildered 18-year-old new father. I have two photographs of a young Michelle that I cherish–the first is of her in the arms of Linda as a baby. Linda is sitting on the steps in the backyard of the Haw Creek house that led to the upper level and the barn. Mom is also in the photo with her own mother–Dixie English. Four generations of the women in our family. Sadly, with Michelle’s passing, all of them are gone now. The second photo is of Michelle running through the grass in the front yard at 38 Reese Road. She was always full of joy, and brought a special light into our family. It is very hard to bend my mind to the idea that she is gone. I saw her at Linda’s memorial service, but it is a memory from a month earlier that has burnt itself into my psyche. After Linda died, I came from Knoxville to be with the family, and to see Dean first and foremost. While standing in the driveway at the Kennedy Drive residence, Michelle came up the steps from downstairs, and put herself in my arms, and hugged me hard and long. She was crying, and so was I. There was so much unsaid in those tears. It was the culmination of family love over long and, at times, difficult years. I prize that memory. We were mourning my sister and Michelle’s mother. But there was an affirmation of all that was good in our family, and I am glad that I had that last, cherished moment with my niece. I will grieve for her until I see her again.
Punkin, Too many years have gone by since we’ve seen each other but you my dear friend will always remain my childhood best friend. I will cherish every photo of us, every hike through the mountains, sleepovers, your wedding, your kids birth, and so many more. I will truly miss our conversations even with the miles between us. Until we meet again my friend 🧡