Laura Owens Smathers

Mrs. Laura Owens Stevens Smathers, 70, of Sharon Rd. in Washington, died Friday, September 15, 2017, at her home. Laura was born in Wilkes County and had lived here most of her life.She was the daughter of the late Bill and Carrie Bell Vandiver Owens. She was the widow of Steve Smathers, and was the store manager for Stevens Grocery in Ficklen for a number of years.She was a member of the Ficklen Prebyterian Church, where she served as an Elder. She was survived by two sons, Robert Mel Stevens, Jr. (Paula), of Washington, and John Daniel Stevens,(Jodi), of Oxford; one brother, Franklin Owens (Sue), of Texas; and by her best friend and ex-husband, Bobby Stevens, of Washington; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.Laura was preceded in death by hers and Bobby’s infant son, Charles Raymond Stevens. Graveside services will be 11:00AM Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at Resthaven Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 6-8PM Monday evening, September 18, 2017, at Hopkins Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be C.J. Gilland, Philip Stevens, Ricky Dingler, Steve Broome, Buddy Price, and Crayton Young. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ficklen Presbyterian Church, c/o Mike Eskew, 214 Water St., Washington, GA30673.