Laura Marie Birmingham

 Laura Marie Birmingham stepped into the arms of Jesus just 31 days past her 100th earthly birthday, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Her motherly nature will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born on August 2, 1925, in Soper, Oklahoma to Wiley Roosevelt and Lavada M. (Wilson) Culberson, Laura Marie and her siblings, Gayle and Darlene, were raised in a house filled with love. The family later moved to Blair, Oklahoma, where Laura Marie graduated with the Class of 1943. Soon after, she married Herbert Earl Birmingham in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and to this union two children were born, Keith and Gayla. After following Herbert from coast to coast, the couple eventually returned to Oklahoma and made their home in Blair.

As their children grew, Laura Marie worked as a cosmetologist for many years. She also worked in food service at the hospital and later at Underwoods Cafeteria. She loved cooking and serving others so much that Laura Marie even owned her own restaurant for a time. She was a faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church of Blair, where she cherished serving alongside her church family. She proudly held the title of the oldest member of the congregation, an honor that was dear to her heart.

Laura Marie enjoyed many hobbies and simple pleasures in life. She loved fishing, embroidery, and was a wonderful cook who never let a visitor leave her home hungry. At a young age, Laura Marie began creating special birthday cards that she would send to friends and family. The tradition continued throughout her life with her children and grandchildren and even her Sunday school class. Known as a motherly figure to everyone at church and throughout the community, she was always giving of herself.

She loved to play games, especially Chinese checkers and dominos, and looked forward to Sundays at the Warren Community Center where she enjoyed good food and fellowship. Laura Marie’s life was defined by her faith, her love for family and friends, and her generous spirit that touched everyone she met.

Her husband, Herbert; parents, Wiley and Laveda; sister, Barbara Darlene Jones and husband, Casey; and son-in-law, Glen Higgins preceded her in death. Her motherly love will be missed by her children, Keith Birmingham and Gayla Higgins; brother, Gayle Culberson and wife, Idell; grandchildren, Jeff Atwood and wife, Deana, Shana Whiteside, Kristina Patterson, Herbie Birmingham, Duane Birmingham, and Charley Box and husband, Aaron; 15 great-grandchildren; 11 and one on the way great great-grandchildren; two nieces, Donita Beers and husband, Mark and Jenee Armstrong and husband, Fred; caregivers and close friends, Marla Collier and Tammy VanCleave; and numerous cousins, friends, and church family.

The family will formally greet friends from 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7th, at Kincannon Funeral Home. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 8th, at the First Baptist Church of Blair with Pastor Tyler McDowell officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Restlawn Cemetery.

Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.