Laura Setliff

Laura Setliff, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, left this world peacefully on May 6, 2025, at Little Flower Assisted Living in Charlotte, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 24, 1932, in Halifax County, Virginia, Laura exemplified a life filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of shared moments.

Throughout her career, Laura made a significant impact in various offices and food stores, but it was her nearly 20 years at Harris Teeter in Matthews that truly highlighted her spirit and dedication. Well-loved by the Matthews community, Laura’s friendly demeanor and infectious smile brightened the day of everyone who encountered her in the store.

Laura was a beacon of joy and kindness, known for her outgoing personality and deep love for life, Jesus, and her family. She possessed an exceptional sense of humor that endeared her to many, always finding ways to bring laughter and light-heartedness to every gathering.

She took great pride in raising her five children, Brenda Moore, Kathy Helms (Skip), Thomas Setliff, and Bobbi Wilkie (Rick), mostly on her own after becoming widowed at a young age. This incredible accomplishment was just one of many examples of her strength and resilience. Laura understood the importance of family, serving as the cherished home base during holidays, where she would create warm memories through delicious meals, including her famous biscuits. She also had a very special relationship with her beloved niece Rhonda Carter (Ronnie) and her daughter Jeri.

In her later years, Laura embraced new opportunities for growth and connection, attending CPCC in Charlotte, NC, to sharpen her business skills after the loss of her husband. Her commitment to learning and community service knew no bounds; she volunteered well into her 80s at local organizations such as the homeless ministry at Matthews Methodist Church, Celebrate Recovery, A Friend of Bill, Meals on Wheels, The Help Center in Matthews, and The Levine Senior Center, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives of those she served.

In 2018, Laura moved into Little Flower Assisted Living, where she adapted remarkably well, making friends and staying active for as long as she could. Her spirit shone brightly as she participated in Bingo games, enjoyed sitting on the porch, danced at lively parties, and took delight in van rides and outings with her fellow residents. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Little Flower for their compassionate care and support during this journey.

Laura leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, deeply cherished by her grandchildren: Lauren Helms, Madison Helms, Patrick Fralick (Rhonda), Shannon Wade (John), Jordan Wilkie, Luci Setliff, Jarrett Setliff (Bre), Molly Setliff (Cassidy), Erika Ferguson, Lynn Strickland (Jamey), and Sue Gibson (Mark). She was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, including Jack, Hollis, Ozzy, Bentley, Kendall, Jackson, Hannah, Brooke, Mary Beth, Jessi, Lee, Megan, and Hallie, and several great-great grandchildren whose lives she touched with warmth and joy.

Laura has gone home to be with the Lord reunited with her mother, Fannie Walker Owen; her son, Allen Setliff; and siblings: Jesse Owen, Sarah Snead, John Owen, Richard Owen, Paul Owen, Logan Owen, Eldridge Owen, Thomas Owen, and Claude (Pete) Owen. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23).

As we remember Laura Setliff, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by devotion to family, service to others, and a joyous spirit that continues to inspire. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved her, a guiding light that will never dim.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Laura to the Little Flower Assisted Living, 8700 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.