Laura Houston Doswell, age 63, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2025 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born on October 12, 1961 to Gloria and Marshall Doswell. Due to Laura being born with Down’s Syndrome, her parents were told that she should be placed in an institution and would have a short lifespan. Gloria and Marshall chose to bring her home, where she flourished in a loving environment with her parents and sisters.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sisters Julia Doswell Royster of Raleigh, NC, Margaret (Maggie) Doswell Ellis of York, SC, and her brother-in-law Timothy Ellis of York, SC. In addition she is survived by her extended family of cousins John Doswell (Mary), Carter Doswell (Jeff), and Jamie Doswell of Richmond, VA, as well as John Simpson of Charlotte, NC, Nancy Holliday of Winston Salem, NC, Robin Stacy Humphries (Scott) of Charlotte, NC, Johnny Jefferies and Jan Sprouse (Tim) of Gaffney, SC.
Laura was an absolute joy, always happy and smiling. She never met a stranger and gave phenomenal hugs to everyone. In the words of her cousin, Carter Doswell, “those who knew her were buoyed by her warmth, love and enthusiasm and benefited from the myriad essential life lessons that she quietly imparted.” She never forgot names or faces and had many friends of all ages in the community. After attending public school special education classes through age 21, Laura lived in group homes run by the York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs for 35 years but kept close ties with her family. She was remarkable in so many ways with a fabulous sense of humor, excellent vocabulary, and an artistic nature expressed by coloring intricate pictures in adult coloring books. She adored watching The Love Boat on television, swimming and music. Her favorite song was “My Girl” by the Temptations. She will be remembered by her loved ones as a gentle, innocent soul who gave joy to all.
To those who knew and loved Laura the family extends their utmost gratitude for contributing to her happiness in life. We rejoice that she is now in her eternal home with Jesus and her loved ones who passed away before her.
A celebration of life service will be held on February 15″, 2025 at 1 pm at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC. Laura’s ashes will be spread beside those of her parents during a private ceremony in the church’s Memorial Garden. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, or St. Jude’s Hospital.