Laura S. Hanley aka "Madea" was born on February 28, 1938 in Scotland Neck, North Carolina to her mother and father. She was the third of four children. On July 8, 2023 she departed this life here with us. She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend to all she came into contact with.

Laura received her formal education in Halifax County Public School system in North Carolina. After finishing school she went on to start working as a housekeeper where later she would move to Norfolk, VA and then to Newport News, VA where she became a home maker and started to create her own family. On June 30, 2023 her wish was granted by Worthy Matron Warren and became an Eastern Star Member.  She was loved by many.

Laura was known for her strong faith and beliefs in God. She was always known to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She would take you in, feed you with a hot meal, and even give you a place to lay your head. There was never a person she came into contact with that did not receive her generosity. She was well known for her cooking especially on Sunday's, and being the neighborhood "Ice burg Lady." She was the community mother that gave you love and discipline. She enjoyed playing lottery number, scratching her scratch tickets, and sitting in her chair at the window watching the community making sure no one was causing trouble.

Laura was proceeded in death by her mother Lucinda Jackson, her father James Smith, her two children Linda D. Howell, Laura Ann Frink, her sisters Willie Francis Alexander, Francis Alexander, her brother James Smith Jr., her granddaughter Tawanet Howell-Battle and a special friend Roger Pittman (DJ Wiggles). She leaves behind to cherish in her memory her son Herman Hanley, her four daughters Kay Lassiter Belton, Audrey Thigpen(Alvin Harris), Shawanda Hanley-Outlaw(Cedric Outlaw), Tarlishsia Hanley(Deacon Hatcher), her grandchildren Alex McAllister, Mike Hanley, Natasha Smith, Kanisha Bowers, Shanquetta Frink, Marshella Hanley, Tuanqurius Thigpen, James Hanley, Jah'Nautika Brown, and Morgan Hanley, her great grandchildren Zykiese Howell-Battle and Zymonte Howell-Battle, a son-in-law Richard Riddick and a host of nieces, nephews, great neices, and great nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023 at Recovery Baptist Church, 303 Blair Ave., Newport News, Virginia 23607.