On Sunday, June 28,2026, the Lord called Laura Ann (Brown) Gulley home to glory. Although her passing was sudden and unexpected, she was prepared to take the Lord’s hand as she was getting dressed for church. She lived a life that was abundant, independent, joyful and content. For these blessing, her family gives thanks to the Lord.
Laura was born on January 13, 1938, in Laneburg, Arkansas, to Goldberg and Mary Elizabeth (Henry) Brown. She was the fourth of nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Olen Gulley, Sr.; and six of her siblings.
Laura attended school in Laneburg and graduated from McRae High School in Prescott, Arkansas. After relocating to Hope, Arkansas, she was employed by Tyson Foods, where she worked faithfully until her retirement several years ago.
In 1979, Laura untied with Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. TJ Roberson. She was a devoted servant of God whose life reflected faith, dedication, and a heart for service. She faithfully served her church and the Southwest District Association.
Laura served as an usher until her health and mobility challenges prevented her from continuing in that role, yet she remained a steadfast supporter of every church ministry and activity. She was a dedicated member of the Adult Choir and the Southwest District Association Choir, as well as the Deborah Circle Mission. She faithfully served as a Secretary of the Sunday School until 2020.
Her commitment to her faith was evident through her regular attendance at Sunday School, Sunday morning worship services, Wednesday night Bible Study, and district, state, and national meetings and conventions.
Although Laura and her husband, Olen Sr., were blessed with one biological daughter. Ruby, her immediate family increased. She graciously opened her heart and home to help raise her husband’s sons, Odell and Olen Jr., her nephew, Freddie Henry, and her cousin Charles Gulley. She also played a significant role in rearing her grandsons, Rickey and Sherman, providing them with love, guidance and support that defined her nurturing spirit.
Laura leaves to cherish her precious memories while mourning her passing: he beloved daughter, Ruby (Willie) Brandon of Hope Arkansas; bonus daughter Shemika Burton of Little Rock, Arkansas and Mary Williams of Malvern, Arkansas; her beloved sons Odell (Shelia ) Gulley and Olen (Barbara) Gulley, both of Hope, Arkansas, and Frederick (Jenny) Henry of Rosston, Arkansas; her sister, Linda Brown of Moreno Valley, California; her brother, Charles Brown of Rockford, Illinois; twenty grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her devoted family at Lonoke Missionary Baptist Church.
Laura’s legacy of love, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion to God, her family and her church will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.
Events
Visitation
Friday, July 10, 2026
12:00PM – 5:00PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 S. Hazel Street
PO Box 548
Hope, AR 71801
Family Hour 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, July 11, 2026
11:00AM
Lonoke Baptist Church
702 S Hazel St
Hope, AR 71801
Final Resting Place
New Salem Cemetery
8028 U.S. 278
Rosston, AR 71858