Thelma Lee Laughlin, a beloved member of the community and a cherished matriarch, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 93 in Orange, Texas. Born on July 13, 1932, in Newark, Arkansas, Thelma lived a life filled with love, care, and a strong commitment to her family and community.
Thelma dedicated a significant portion of her life to serving others through her work as a Records Clerk with the Orange County Sheriff's Department from February 1978 to January 1996. Her career was marked by a strong sense of responsibility and integrity, which she carried into her volunteering efforts with Orange Christian Services. She lived a life without borders, fueled by a love of travel that led her across every state line in the nation. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, she found beauty in all fifty states of the country she loved to explore.
Thelma is survived by her son, David Laughlin and his wife Roxanne; her daughter, Deana Laughlin; her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Laughlin; along with her grandchildren: Courtney Bates, Lindsey Simon and her husband Kevin, Thomas Jakober and his fiance Lea, Nathan Laughlin and his partner David Delong, and Amy Stevenson and her husband Lyndon. The joy of Thelma's life continued with the blessings of her great-grandchildren: Bradley, Cheyenne, and Olivia. Also remaining to celebrate her memory is her sister, Mary Sue Henson, along with numerous other loving family members and friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness.As a person, Thelma was known for her loving nature, her proper demeanor, and her unwavering faith. She found immense joy in her church community and was a testament to the values she held dear. The depth of her caring spirit resonated through her relationships with her family and the many friends she made along the way.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Nathan Ben Laughlin; her sons, Randy Laughlin and Timothy Wayne Laughlin; her grandson, Timothy Wayne Laughlin; her parents, Leamon and Hazel Cantrell; and her sister, Dean Self. Their memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them.
Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Laughlin, Bradley Bates, Rocky Self, Kevin Simon, Lyndon Stevenson, and Dean Fuller.
Visitation for Thelma Lee Laughlin will be held on February 2, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM at Claybar Funeral Home Orange, located at 504 5th St, Orange, TX 77630. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in Orange, Texas.
Thelma's legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Although she has departed from this earthly realm, her spirit will remain vibrant in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding them of the impact one person can have in the lives of many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orange Christian Services at 2518 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630.