Laura Ann Hathaway, of Austin, joined her heavenly father on Nov. 11, 2017, with her family at her side. She was 87.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Friday, November 17, 2017 at First United Methodist Church of Austin, 1201 Lavaca St.

Laura was beloved by family, friends and former students for her warmth, her smile, a delightful sense of humor and quick wit. She was strong and spirited, guided by faith, committed to service, and wholeheartedly devoted to her family.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, J.B. Hathaway Jr.; four children and their spouses, Ben and Barbara Hathaway of Austin, Jan and Ronnie Sellers of Warren, John and Sara Hathaway of Austin, and Jill and Lester Phipps of Rosenberg; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Melissa and Dan Russell, Alan Kirby and fiancee Olivia LaCroix, Joey and Emily Hathaway, Laurie and Justin Wang, Dr. Katie and Jesse Ochoa, Amy Hathaway, and Jack Hathaway; five great-grandchildren (and another on the way); a nephew, David Turner of Katy; and niece, Cheryl Roy of Hemphill.

Laura Ann Jenkins, known to her family and dear friends as Sugar, was born in Bastrop on Jan. 22, 1930, to Howard Stuart Jenkins, a World War 1 vet, and Laura Murchison Jenkins. She attended Bastrop High School and the University of Texas, where she earned a degree in English. She also met her future husband on a blind date for an event sponsored by the university’s Methodist student union. They married in 1950 and moved to J.B.’s hometown of Port Arthur. They lived there for the next 59 years, except for the time they spent early on in San Diego, Calif., where J.B. was stationed in the Navy.

Laura taught AP English at Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, where she founded a future-teachers student organization (SEE). She then served as public relations director for the Port Arthur Independent School District. She also earned a master’s degree in education at Lamar University while teaching and raising four children. Laura later volunteered many hours as the longtime chairman of the Port Arthur Housing Authority. She proved to be an able administrator and passionate advocate for people in need of a hand up. She also was a member of the Port Arthur Service League and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She and J.B. enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing bridge, and spending time at the beach with their family. She could haul a crab trap like a pro.

The Hathaways moved to Austin in 2009. Their family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Brookdale Beckett Meadows for their loving care and kindness.

The family would also encourage anyone who would like to honor Laura’s memory to consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress, Austin, TX  512/442-1446.  You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com