Laura Ann Xenophon Clark passed away on Thursday evening, July 4th, 2024. Like the strong, independent woman that she was, it is fitting that she passed away on Independence Day. She was a true firecracker and had an explosive personality, loved everyone, sparked joy, and made them feel special. The family finds comfort in knowing that their adored world traveler is on a permanent vacation in Heaven.

Laura was born on July 29th, 1963, in Queens, NY, to Nicos "Nic" and Edna (McBride) Xenophon. She grew up in a large and lively Greek family. Her journey through life was marked by personal accomplishments, including raising three beautiful daughters as a single parent and earning an associate's degree in electronic engineering. She had a long and successful career within management in the food service industry for more than thirty-five years, including her family-owned restaurant for seventeen years.

In 2017, Laura's life took a challenging turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her valiant fight against the disease was a testament to her indomitable spirit, unwavering faith in God, and the immense love and support from her family and friends. When the battle resumed in 2022 with a Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnosis that spread throughout her body, Laura once again demonstrated her extraordinary will to live. Despite enduring 15 months of grueling chemotherapy, she remained determined to maintain a positive outlook, a trait that profoundly influenced and inspired everyone around her.

Laura loved pop culture, trivia, movies, and television. She was a game show junkie! Laura also enjoyed playing board games and card games. She was a card shark with the game Rummy and could hustle her way to always winning! She enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. She was an incredible hostess who treasured having people over. No surprise to her daughters, they would come home to find that she even invited Mormon or Jehovah's Witness missionaries in to stay for dinner. She loved discussing the Bible and shared her love of Jesus openly. She never judged people for being themselves, had a contagious wheezing laugh, and authentically spoke her mind. She was a beacon of strength and resilience.

Laura's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity for endurance, buoyed by optimism, faith, and a positive attitude. She loathed making people sad, so as you read this obituary, remember the laughter and smiles shared with loved ones are the truly meaningful moments of life. Her legacy encourages us to take proactive steps toward breast health through self-examination and regular mammograms. These tools are essential for early detection, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment and survival. Let Laura's journey inspire us to empower ourselves with knowledge and take charge of our health, making a world of difference in the fight against cancer.

She joined on that permanent vacation with a few others she hadn't seen in a while including her mother, Edna McBride Xenophon; father, Nicos Xenophon; brother, Christos Xenophon; and sister, Donna Xenophon. She left this world better but left behind a devoted family who mourns with the hope of joining her on that vacation one day.

Her family includes daughters, Ashley Rose Dodd, Sarah Hall (Johnathan), and Mariah Clark;and grandson, Knox Dodd, who was the light of her life.

She also left behind former son-in-law, whom she loved, Wesley Dodd; brother, Nic Xenophontos (Bill); sisters, Debbie Helm, Rosemary Maisel (John), Georgette "Gigi" Klein (Bob), and Patricia Velez (Raymond); and half-siblings, Rosemary Silo (Vincent) and George Micklus (Lisa). She had numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that she adored.

Among those who will hold her memory closest are her best friend, Lynn Williams, whose bond with Laura was one of unwavering support and shared laughter; friend, Lori Thorton Brand, her "sister from another mister"; and her high school and lifelong friends, Roberta Restaino and Sharon Orbin.

Laura was a beacon of warmth and connection, effortlessly bridging the gap between acquaintances and lifelong friends. Her ability to see the best in everyone she met transformed mere strangers into cherished family members. Laura's genuine spirit and boundless kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, July 13th at 10:00 AM. If you would like to come celebrate, please wear purple in her honor. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made, in memory of her beloved canine companions, Memphis and Madison, to the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter, 870 Bear Creek Road, Lavonia, GA 30553.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.