Anne Elizabeth Searcy Laughter

Anne Elizabeth Searcy Laughter, 90, passed away peacefully in her home on May 8, 2022.  She was born August 1, 1931, in Hendersonville, NC to Jeter and Pauline Searcy.  She met her future husband of 72 years, Clarence N. Laughter, Jr. at Edneyville Elementary School and upon her high school graduation they married on August 28, 1949.

Anne and Clarence lived together in the Bearwallow Valley Community where they worked to build a successful apple farm and raised three daughters.  They were always by each other’s side no matter whether working, gardening, or traveling and loved each other unconditionally.  Anne was a wonderful country cook who enjoyed sharing her dishes with her family and friends, particularly her homegrown green beans (Mamaw beans), potato salad and delicious desserts.  A talented seamstress, her hobbies also included needlework and crocheting countless afghans which she generously gifted to those she loved on special occasions.

Anne was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church for over sixty years.  During those years, she directed the children’s nursery and worked with the kitchen committee to plan, decorate, and cook for many special events.

Anne was predeceased by her parents; her daughter, Janet Darcell Laughter; siblings, Yates, J.P. “Bub”, June Wright, Frances Capell, and baby brother, Johnny.  Survivors include her husband, Clarence; her brother, James “Jim” Searcy (Marie); daughters, Shirley Hill (Ken), Patsy McDaniel (David); grandchildren, Keri Hill Shelton (Joel), K. Adam Hill (Connie), Joanna Hill Ashe (Graham), Matthew Phelan (Virginia), and Laura Phelan Black; great-grandchildren, Colby, Graham, and Scarlett Hill, Rami and Ada Shelton, Natalie Black, Eliza Grace Ashe, and Harris Phelan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Please join us Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM for family visitation in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 538 Tracy Grove Road, Hendersonville, NC with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 AM.  The service will be officiated by Rev. Phillip Capell and Rev. Craig Stepp; with Graham Ashe, K. Adam Hill, Matthew Phelan, and Joel Shelton serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fruitland Baptist Church, 150 College Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.