Laurie William Simon Queen

They say, when writing about grief, to use short, concise sentences. With that in mind, Greensboro fashion icon, Laurie William Simon Queen, died peacefully in her sleep while at home on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021. In that moment, for all who knew and loved her, the universe precipitously diminished in the wake of her passing.

Born in Greensboro, NC, her Lebanese immigrant parents, the late William and Athena Simon opened a small clothing store located at 530 S. Elm St., in 1944, and named it Laurie’s, after their only daughter. The business thrived and, in 1957, Laurie and her brothers, Marshall W. Simon, and Edward W. Simon moved Laurie’s from the S. Elm St. location to become the first fashion retailer to anchor the brand new Friendly Shopping Center. In the early ’70’s, the store made its final move just one block down to the corner of the shopping block and into an enormous 16,000 square foot retail space, now home to Harper’s Restaurant. The store continued to expand retail operations to Northeast Shopping Center, Forum VI, and Carolina Circle Mall. Separately, their eldest sibling, Fred W. Simon opened and operated a Laurie’s in downtown Reidsville, NC. Laurie was a trailblazer long before terms like —Feminist were in place —in a field dominated by men during the ‘40s,’50s,’60s, and ’70’s, and saw to it that women she saw potential in pursued their aspirations. She was in New York City on buying trips every six weeks, walking Seventh Ave. and the side streets, hitting all the fashion houses and buying offices of the time to hand pick what would be featured for sale in the store back down south. She often had to slake male egos along the way, but always getting the best deals on the finest made clothing possible. Laurie’s wasn’t just a high-end women’s clothing store, but those who worked there aimed to shepherd their customers towards the most elegant options to co-star the events they were to attend, which was a point of pride for both the store, the family, and Laurie herself— she wanted to be a director of these movie shorts — the salespeople, supporting cast — in which these special memories would be underscored for the customer — the real stars of the film — whose experiences would later play out against the silver screen of their lives.

In 1986, the four siblings decided it was time to retire and move on to try to accomplish the things they still aspired to try in the later stages of their respective lives. The selling of Laurie’s garnered press in national trade publications such as Women’s Wear Daily. After retirement, Laurie traveled Europe extensively with her beloved husband, Lawrence (Larry) T. Queen, a retired veteran North Carolina journalist. Such was Laurie’s capacity for compassion and empathy, she noted in her journal, “The Cathedral’s of Europe were The Palaces of the Poor” — where every day men and women could gather, elevated as Kings, Queens, Dukes, and Duchesses of their spiritual domain and comport with dignity. Laurie was a woman of strong religious conviction, but her spirituality wasn’t a weapon, but a framework of philosophies assembled to live as well as possible, while hewing closest to the love Jesus Christ taught. She had no desire to be “Born Again.” In her mind, “once was enough,” something she said routinely, and with a great deal of mirth and humor. Upon arrival back in the states, she saw an injustice that needed to be addressed, and so she volunteered to inspect conditions in nursing homes across the state of North Carolina, and dedicated nearly twenty years to ensuring residents in facilities across the state had access to proper health care, clean living conditions, and were treated with respect and dignity in each home. But most importantly, her love of Christ was as pure as any we may ever see. She hid behind nothing in judgement. She reached across to people — the sinner — to lift them up and remind them they are loved without condition, which is why it must be said that she was the most Christlike person people will ever know. Laurie was preceded into death by her husband, Lawrence T. Queen, Jr., brothers, Eddie W. Simon, Marshall W. Simon, and Fred Simon. She is survived by her only son, Lawrence (Larry) William Queen and nieces and nephews, Laurie Simon Burke, Karen Michelle Simon Furman, Lois Williams Simon, Mary Shakro and her husband, Phillip, Freddy Simon and Marshall Simon. Also surviving are many loving great nieces and nephews and treasured friends.

Laurie will lie in state Sunday, August 15 from 11:00 am till 4:00 pm, at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm St. Laurie’s Memorial Service will be held Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at St. Andrew’s Episcopalian Church, 2105 West Market St., at 11 AM for an outdoor service in front of the church, followed by completion of the service graveside at Green Hill Cemetery.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Queen family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.