Laura Baird

Born November 11, 1910, in Brunswick, Maryland, one of eleven children of Laura Phillips and William Winfield Kelley, Laura Kelley Bourdon Baird passed away on November 29th. She is survived by her daughter, Donna K. Bourdon Rowland (Jim) of McAllen TX; her son, Harry D. Baird III (Kathy) of Colonial Heights VA; five grandchildren, Scott, John, and David Rowland of McAllen TX and Harry D. "Buddy" Baird IV and Kelley Marie Baird of Colonial Heights VA; five great grandchildren all of McAllen TX; one sister, Ivadora Kelley of Frederick, MD; Sister-in-law Ann Baird Caulkins (Tom) of Murfreesboro NC; and several nieces and nephews. Laura first worked at Petersburg General Hospital and later spent many years in civil service with much of her time in the finance office at Fort Lee and eventually retired from the Federal Reformatory in Prince George in 1975. Laura was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg and a former member of Concord Presbyterian Church in Brunswick County while residing in McKenney. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas H. Bourdon, in 1966 and by her second husband, Harry D. Baird, Jr., in 1984. An optimistic and positive person, Laura loved people and had many friends. She had a persevering spirit and a strong faith in the Lord Jesus whom she trusted at a young age. She will be missed greatly, especially by her family members who hold fast to many precious memories. The family expresses its heartfelt appreciation to all the faithful and loving personnel at CH Health Care Center who cared for her in her later days and to her dear friends and pastor who called, sent cards, and visited faithfully. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday December 5, 2012 in Second Presbyterian Church 419 West Washington Street Petersburg, Virginia 23803, with Reverend Dr. Daniel E. Hale officiating. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, in Concord Presbyterian Church Cemetery Brunswick County, Virginia. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, or to Concord Presbyterian Church, in care of Della Tucker, 5119 Rawlings Road, Rawlings, VA 23876.