Laura Anne Vick

Laura Anne McGowan Vick, 87, died December 12, 2023, surrounded by her daughters. She was born September 4, 1936, in Covington, Tennessee and was the daughter of the late William Oliver and Annie Laurie McGowan.

Laura Anne received her Bachelor’s degree in English and Social Studies from Baylor University and her Master’s in Counseling from Memphis State University. She began her teaching career in Jacksonville, Florida where she met the love of her life, Ed Vick. After marrying and working briefly in Tennessee, they moved to Raleigh, NC, where they built a wonderful life together. She taught English at Martin Junior High School. When their three daughters arrived, Laura Anne devoted her life to raising three strong, independent women. She loved cooking and entertaining and did so constantly for Ed as he built his career. She was an energetic mother and later grandmother. Nothing gave her more pleasure than gathering with her family. A favorite memory is her playing the piano and singing Christmas carols with the family gathered around. She loved music, whether it was listening to hymns in church or attending Andre Rieu concerts with Ed.

Laura Anne was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, another of her passions. Here, she served as deacon, committee chairs, and taught high school Sunday school. She loved the Lord and lived her faith. Her suitcase was always packed, and alongside her husband, she explored the world. Together, they traveled for pleasure and on mission trips. Spending precious time with her family in Salter Path or at Arosa in the Swiss Alps was her greatest pleasure. She played bridge, loved reading and literature, and cheered on her beloved Wolfpack (sometimes fussing at the refs) basketball and football teams!

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Catellani and husband Bruno, of Richterswil, Switzerland; Carolyn Durham and husband Bill of Wesley Chapel, NC; Elizabeth Kirkman and husband Danny of Concord, NC; and nine grandchildren: Andrea and Lucas Catellani, Grace and David Durham, Ross, Ryan, Rebecca (Welch), Madi and Meredith Kirkman, as well as two great grandchildren… and her two special nephews, Bill McGowan of Covington, TN and Les McGowan of Memphis, TN.

Family will receive friends on Friday, December 15th at 2pm at the First Baptist Church (99 North Salisbury Street in Raleigh), with funeral services following at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to either the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church (https://fbcraleigh.org/artful-giving/) or the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (https://cbf.net/give).

Services provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.