Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Laird, beloved wife of the late Harold Edward Laird, was called home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, just three days after celebrating her 98th birthday.
Born and raised in Parksley, she was the daughter of the late Oscar Wyman Taylor and Bessie Parks Taylor. A graduate of Parksley High School, Elizabeth later worked at the former R&G Shirt Factory, but her family was always her greatest priority. Her greatest joy was found in her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother — leading her family by quiet example and a steadfast faith in the Lord.
A lifelong member of St. Thomas United Methodist Church, Elizabeth lived her faith daily through service, humility, and love. She was a woman of gentle strength — humble and kind, yet firm in her convictions. Though soft-spoken, her family lovingly recalls that “it was her way or no way,” and she was often seen wearing her “Ruler of the Roost” apron with pride.
In 1945, Elizabeth lost her mother and sister in the same year. Just a teenager, she took on the responsibility of taking care of the home, her father, and her brother. In those early years, she learned about hard work and responsibility, which served her well throughout her life.
Elizabeth could often be found tending to her home or preparing a hearty meal. Whether reading, sewing, baking, or canning, she poured care into all she did. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty — whether cleaning deer or ducks, she handled every task with grace and grit. Above all, she lived a life that honored God, reflecting the quiet strength of a Proverbs 31 woman — faithful, diligent, and deeply loved.
She is survived by her children, Brenda L. Crowell and her husband, Julius III “Chip,” of Salisbury, N.C., Jane L. Stevens and her husband, David, of Bloxom, Sandra L. Parks and her husband, Wayne, of Parksley, and Carl Edward Laird and his wife, Stephanie, of Parksley; her grandchildren, Jason Matthews (Katie), of Boone, N.C., Alec Crowell (Samantha), of Salisbury, N.C., Syndee Smith of Cleveland, N.C., Shaun Parks and his wife, Jennifer, of Taunton, Mass., and Lauren Parks (Trinell), of Parksley; her step-grandsons, Jeff Crowell, of Beaufort, S.C., and David Crowell and his wife, Christina, of Gold Hill, N.C.; her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Alexandra, Lovely, Ariel, Hank, Mae, Landon, Ali, Azaela, Saylor, Justin, Keagan, Dominick, Connor, Isabella, and Tucker; and several nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family members.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brothers, Beatrice, Erwood, and John Taylor.
Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. George King and Mr. George Fulk officiating. Interment followed in the Parksley Cemetery. There was a visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Commonwealth Senior Living for all they did for Elizabeth. They are also grateful to Riverside Hospice for giving her exceptional love and care during her final days.
Contributions in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onancock, VA 23417 or to a local church of your choosing.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
