Kelly Gilkinson McLaughlin, 29, passed away Friday, October 21 surrounded by family and friends. Kelly was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, fighter, and most of all a child of God. Kelly faced her cancer with grace and courage, and her positive attitude was inspiring and comforting to everyone whose life she touched.
Kelly was born November 10, 1981 in San Antonio, Texas. She was a 2000 graduate of Greenville (TX) High School and a 2004 graduate of Stephen F Austin University. Kelly was a first grade teacher at Brooks Quinn Jones Elementary in Nacogdoches and attended First Baptist Church. She married the love of her life, James McLaughlin six years ago. Kelly will live on in the hearts of her survivors: her husband James and daughter Allie of Nacogdoches, her parents Dean & Lori Gilkinson of Rockwall, TX, sister and brother-in-law Katie & James Chaumont of Dallas,TX, sister Kimberly Gillkinson of Irving, TX, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph & Luzviminda McLaughlin of Lewisville, as well as two friends who were like big brothers – Scott Speichert and Robert Brown, both of Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 PM, Monday, October 24 and funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, October 25 at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, with Rev. Bobby Smith officiating and burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. The family requests that any memorials be made to one of Kelly’s favorite organizations – The Helping House, P O Box 631513, Nacogdoches, TX 75963.
