1935
Mertie
2024
Mertie Ann Haupfear Laurence
June 26, 1935 — March 26, 2024
One of life’s precious blessings is departed from us: Mertie Ann Haupfear Laurence went to be with the
Lord and her parents on Tuesday morning, 26 March 2024, at the age of 88. She is survived by her
husband of almost 72 years, Buell Joyce (B.J.) Laurence, and their sons Lewis Joyce Laurence (Lisa
Clayton Laurence) and Stephen Auburn Laurence.
She is also survived by grandchildren Erika Laurence Parker (Gunnar), Matthew Laurence (Elizabeth),
Mitchell Laurence, Desiree Tower Fields (Greg), Maurissa Tower McCulloch (Matthew) and Jada Tower;
great-grandchildren Lilliann, Owen, Kaylee, Carlee, Scarlet, Allyson, Wyatt, Max and Owen; sister Laura
Haupfear Hart (Charlie) and brothers Oliver Haupfear (Carolyn) and Andy Haupfear; and multitudes of
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were just like family—there hardly ever been an
acquaintance that didn’t become a friend.
Born 26 June 1935 in Cross Hill SC and raised in Clinton SC, the eldest daughter of the late James O. and
Dorothy C. Haupfear, Mertie was also predeceased by brothers Jimmy, Gene, and “Little Roy” Haupfear
and sisters Linda Haupfear Eubanks and Dorothy Haupfear Going Burton.
Mertie Ann was a tireless worker—28 years at Union Carbide/Kemet; most of her 88-plus years as a
homemaker and caregiver— a lay doctor, counselor, healer, and confidant. She seldom in her life was
without pain of some sort but likewise seldom let you know it. (Her father once described her as a “hot
rod engine in a T-model body.”) She loved, helped, sympathized, and grieved with all as we grieve for
her now. Hers was a life of absolute love and joy when surrounded by her family.
Mertie Ann and B.J. both decided some time ago on cremation, no funeral, and no memorial service
afterward. We honor their wishes as our grief, joy, celebrations, and memories go with us for the rest of
our lives. Amen.
Lord and her parents on Tuesday morning, 26 March 2024, at the age of 88. She is survived by her
husband of almost 72 years, Buell Joyce (B.J.) Laurence, and their sons Lewis Joyce Laurence (Lisa
Clayton Laurence) and Stephen Auburn Laurence.
She is also survived by grandchildren Erika Laurence Parker (Gunnar), Matthew Laurence (Elizabeth),
Mitchell Laurence, Desiree Tower Fields (Greg), Maurissa Tower McCulloch (Matthew) and Jada Tower;
great-grandchildren Lilliann, Owen, Kaylee, Carlee, Scarlet, Allyson, Wyatt, Max and Owen; sister Laura
Haupfear Hart (Charlie) and brothers Oliver Haupfear (Carolyn) and Andy Haupfear; and multitudes of
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were just like family—there hardly ever been an
acquaintance that didn’t become a friend.
Born 26 June 1935 in Cross Hill SC and raised in Clinton SC, the eldest daughter of the late James O. and
Dorothy C. Haupfear, Mertie was also predeceased by brothers Jimmy, Gene, and “Little Roy” Haupfear
and sisters Linda Haupfear Eubanks and Dorothy Haupfear Going Burton.
Mertie Ann was a tireless worker—28 years at Union Carbide/Kemet; most of her 88-plus years as a
homemaker and caregiver— a lay doctor, counselor, healer, and confidant. She seldom in her life was
without pain of some sort but likewise seldom let you know it. (Her father once described her as a “hot
rod engine in a T-model body.”) She loved, helped, sympathized, and grieved with all as we grieve for
her now. Hers was a life of absolute love and joy when surrounded by her family.
Mertie Ann and B.J. both decided some time ago on cremation, no funeral, and no memorial service
afterward. We honor their wishes as our grief, joy, celebrations, and memories go with us for the rest of
our lives. Amen.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mertie Ann Haupfear Laurence, please visit our flower store.
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