Laura Mendes

Mrs. Laura Donnelly Mendes , age 48, passed peacefully in Cumming, Georgia on Friday the 13th, 2017, in the presence of her closest family and friends.

Laura is survived by her husband Jeremy Mendes, her daughter Erica Anthony, her mother Jeanette Donnelly, her sisters Jeanne Taylor and Natalie Donnelly, her nephews Joshua Taylor, Corey Taylor, and John Taylor, and brothers-in-law, Tommy Bradley, Greg Cross, and Christopher Mendes. She is preceded in death by her father, Gerald Donnelly and her brother, Kenneth Donnelly.

Laura was born on June 13, 1969 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, to parents Gerald and Jeanette. She spent many years living in Georgia and Germany where her father was stationed and retired a Master Sargent from the Army. These years in Europe helped foster Laura's love and appreciation for art and history. Something she would continue to study and admire throughout her life. She gave birth to her only daughter, Erica in 1988 and married her husband, Jeremy in 1996.

Laura enjoyed many years employed and creating lasting friendships at Norman's Landing in Cumming, managing Papa John's in Lawrenceville, and as co-owner beside her best friend Rachel Dalrymple-Levent at Bead Bayou in Alpharetta. Her family and friends will always remember her as an incredibly compassionate and selfless friend. She leaves us with a smile remembering her uncanny sense of humor and wit. Her guidance and influence is priceless to all of those who she touched throughout the years.

On Saturday the 28th, visitation with the family begins at 1:00 pm and the memorial service at 2:00 pm with Rev.James W. Lane. There will be a time during the service to share a memory about Laura or if you choose you can bring one in writing for the family. A luncheon reception will follow at that same location, please bring a dish if you will be attending. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Laura's life.