CLINTON — Laura Lee Wilks Crist, 72, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2019, at her home. A private family graveside service was held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Clinton.

Laura was born Sept. 14, 1946, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  She grew up in Vicksburg and later resided in Jackson.

Laura worked at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for the State of Mississippi for 34 years.  She retired in 2011. 

In 1979, she enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and served her country until she retired in September of 2006 as sergeant first class (E7).  In addition, Laura worked at McRae’s then Dillard’s in customer service and was a gift wrapper extraordinaire.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruby Wilks; and sister, Eloise Wilks Ochodnisky.

Survivors include her children, Dr. Cindy Crist Reding (Keith) of Valley Park, Mo., Bubba Crist (Sandy) of Brandon, and Christy Parker of Clinton; her grandchildren, China Lockhart (Austin), India Gebel (Nick), Carley Parker (Brandon), Cody Crist, Cole Parker and John Michael Collins; and her great-grandchildren, Callan Hankins, Zane and Braylon Walker, and Casek Lockhart.
Memorials may be made to COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce De Lean Blvd., Miami, FL 33134. Phone: 1-866-731-2673 ext. 387; email: donations@copdfoundation.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.lakewoodfuneralhomes.com.