Brunella T Laughlin

Brunella Leon Talmadge Laughlin, 91, of Baytown, was called home to join her heavenly family on November 2, 2024. Born to Leon and Jewell (Lumm) Talmadge in Longview, TX, on November 4, 1932, Brunella moved to Baytown in the 1940’s where she met and married her WWII soldier, Willett E. Laughlin, in December 1949. Brunella and Willett raised their two daughters, Jewel E’Vonne and Cherie Elaine, in Baytown and celebrated 53 years of marriage before his passing in 2003.

Brunella knew Christ as her personal Savior and was a faithful member of South Main Church of Christ, where she prepared the church bulletin and taught Sunday school and VBS. Her favorite scripture was Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord” which she recited frequently--even as her memory began to fade. Brunella was an excellent homemaker, caring wife and mother whose Sunday dinners, homemade rolls and delicious desserts were eagerly anticipated by her family. She was a meticulous seamstress, sewing many of her girls’ clothes, and she also enjoyed growing beautiful roses and lilies in her garden. Amidst a busy family life, Brunella also managed to complete her associates degree as a Lee College honor graduate and had a 25-year career with the City of Baytown. In retirement, Brunella and Willett enjoyed watching their grandsons grow up playing sports and playing in the orchestra. They also collected and restored antique furniture and raised a large vegetable garden that they shared with neighbors and friends. Over the years, Brunella also provided homes to several rescue dogs and cats, vowing never to turn away a hungry animal.

Brunella was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willett, her sister Helen Hart, and most recently by her daughter E’Vonne Laughlin Morris (2019) and son in-law Jimmy Morris (2016). She is survived by her daughter Cherie Laughlin Melendez (Joel) of Beach City and grandsons James ‘Bo’ Morris (Erika) of San Diego, Justin Morris of Frisco, and Adrian Melendez (Emily) of Houston. The many stories of “Mama” and her colorful anecdotes will also live on for her four great-granddaughters, Tate and Jameson Morris and Celeste and Ofelia Melendez.

A graveside only service under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Memory Gardens, 8624 Garth Rd., where Brunella will be reunited with her beloved Willett at their final resting place. Pastor Randy Piatt will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 600 W. Sterling, Baytown, TX 77520.