Mary Laura Burnham Beatty , 97, passed away peacefully at her home on September 17, 2025, after a 3-year journey with Alzheimer's. Up until the end, Laura maintained her kindness, grace, and love of family. She often expressed gratitude for her long life and the blessings she experienced along the way.

Laura was born in February 1928 in Live Oak, FL, the youngest of three children of Jessie and Dewey Burnham. She was especially close to her sister, Gertie, who remained her lifelong best friend until Gertie's passing at the age of 98.

In 1946, at age 18, Laura moved to Vero Beach to work in the restaurant owned by her sister and brother-in-law, Gertie and Bud Emlet. The restaurant happened to be on the property of Gordon Beatty, where Laura met his son, Claude. Their connection was immediate, and just three months later they were married at Community Church—the beginning of a 55-year marriage filled with love, family, faith, and hard work.

Together, Claude and Laura raised three children: Albert, Gary (Barbara), and Kathryn (Timothy). They were also business partners, owning and operating the Gordon Motel and Restaurant in Vero Beach for decades. Claude managed the motel while Laura ran the restaurant, where her warm hospitality and delicious meals became legendary. Everyone was welcome at Laura's table, where she would cook for hours without ever knowing how many would join her.

Laura adored her role as grandmother and matriarch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude, her son, Albert, and her grandson, Eric. She is survived by her children Gary (Barbara) and Kathryn (Timothy); her nine grandchildren: Holly (Robert) Helton, Trey Beatty, Matthew (Kristina) Beatty, Adam (Jasmine) Beatty, Sunny Beatty, Tabitha (Mike) Dimino, Nathan (Elizabeth) Self, Jared (Samantha) Self, and Bryan Self; her fourteen great-grandchildren: Nicholas Ciacci, McKenly Ciacci, Jada Grant, Nila Grant, Valerie Self, Izabel Beatty, Natalie Beatty, Hunter Beatty, Kolton Beatty, Anna Kathryn Self, Clair Self, Josie Self, Madilyn Beatty, and Navaeha Parisi; and her great-great-granddaughter, Nina Ciacci.

Claude and Laura treasured their years at their lake house on Lake Toxaway in North Carolina, where they hosted family and friends from near and far. Laura especially cherished the time spent surrounded by loved ones, creating lifelong memories through laughter, storytelling, and shared meals.

Special gratitude is extended to Laura's granddaughter Holly and her husband, Rob, who lived with and lovingly cared for her for the past three and a half years, and to Judy Tarlowe, Laura's devoted private nurse, who quickly became part of the family.

Laura's life was deeply rooted in faith. For many years she was a member of Community Church, where she and Claude had wed in 1946. She lived out her faith daily through quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Laura was the sweet, soft-spoken matriarch of the Beatty family. Her actions were a constant testament to her love for others—always showing up, always listening, always giving. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and grace.

We are all beyond blessed to have had this incredible woman in our lives.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Neal Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions as a memorial may be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home is serving the family and online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com