Laura Mae Quarles

Laura Quarles transitioned on Wednesday June 9, 2021 at her residence in Hampton, Virginia.

Laura M. Quarles was born May 1, 1940, in Charleston, Mississippi, to Dotson Quarles Sr. and Magnolia Wyms-Quarles. Laura was the youngest of two children.At an early age, Laura united with St. John Missional Baptist Church in Charleston, MS. In her early career, Laura worked for the Tallahatchie County School system after earning an Associate Degree in Education from Mississippi Valley State University in 1960. Because of Laura’s passion to help others, she began to pursue a career in Medicine.

The City of Charleston officials selected Laura to accept a full scholarship to the Mississippi Nursing Program at the School of Practical Nursing in Clarksdale, MS. In 1961, Laura began her groundbreaking Nursing career at Tallahatchie General Hospital until she retired in 2012. Laura was the first woman of color to be employed at Tallahatchie General Hospital.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents Dotson and Magnolia Quarles, her brother Dotson Quarles Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories, sons Ashley Q. Hankins and Maurice A. Hankins. Grandchildren Tiffany Johnson, Keyia Govan, Shamanda James, Chastity J Hankins, Jeremy Moore, Jerome Moore, Ashmore Wilson, Amber Thomas, Briana Lambert, Ashley S. Hankins along with Daughter-in-laws Celess Hankins-McCall, Candice Nesbit, Russellette Lambert and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, and loving friends.

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