Laura K. Yoder

Laura K. Yoder, 73, of Newberry, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at her residence.

She was born on April 15, 1942, in Virginia Beach, VA, to the late Levi and Mary Miller Kauffman. Laura was a member of Restoration Outreach Church in Newberry and formerly a member of Lake Grace Mennonite Church in Jesup, Georgia

Laura was a wife, mother, and grandmother who was above all else a dedicated Christian who prayed diligently for her family and friends. At a young age Laura excepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and spent the rest of her life faithfully living in the example of Jesus. She raised a family with her husband of 51 years, Melvin, and was most happy when her family was close to her. She was a devoted mother and attended to not only their physical well-being but spent countless hours on her knees in prayer for their spiritual well-being. Laura loved unconditionally and in abundance. She was a virtuous woman with unbending faith which was her most remarkable virtue.

Throughout her life, her faith was indeed tested many times but each time, she never wavered. In moments of greatest difficulty she would turn more fervently to prayer. The greatest test and her greatest triumph occurred during the last few years of her life. She bore her enormous suffering with dignity and did not complain or become bitter at God. Laura showed no fear in her illness and rejoiced in going home to be with her two daughters and other family members who have already made the journey. Laura wanted her life to be remembered as a testimony for how great our God is and not a time of praising her. At the end, she continued to love her family and would always manage a smile for her grandchildren.

In her final moments, it was Melvin who sat by her side and was blessed to be with his bride as she took her last breath.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin Yoder; sons, Winston (Sally) Yoder of Newberry and Tony (Ree) Yoder of Jesup, GA; daughter, Quita (Stacio) Jimenez of Newberry; an adopted son, Michael Lutalo of Kampalo, Uganda; brothers, Raymond (Melinda) Kauffman of Virginia Beach, VA, Eli (Naomi) Kauffman, Marvin (Alta) Kauffman and Larry (Linda) Kauffman all of Montezuma, GA and Richard Kauffman of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Ruth (Melvin) Yoder of Montesuma, GA, Drusilla Beiler of Columbus, NC, Martha Kauffman of Augusta, GA, Mary Lois (Robert) Yoder of Jesup, GA and Susan (Alva) Yoder of Virginia Beach, VA and twelve grandchildren. Laura was predeceased by daughters, Bonita Sue Yoder and Rhonda Wynette Yoder.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home in Newberry. A second visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Rinehart & Sons Funeral Home in Jesup, GA. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Unity Church of God in Jesup, Ga with burial to follow in Lake Grace Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Yoder, Clayton Yoder, Anthony Yoder, Tucker Yoder, Nathan Yoder and Vincent Yoder.

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