Ms. Laura Marcia Borders, 62 of Shelby, NC, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at CaroMont Health, Gastonia, NC. She was born on April 4, 1964 in Cleveland County, NC to he late Leonard G. Borders and Elizabeth Littlejohn Borders.

Laura Borders lived a life marked by compassion, quiet strength, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether through her profession, her church, or her family, Laura had a remarkable way of making people feel valued, encouraged, and deeply loved. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and genuine concern for others left an imprint on everyone blessed to know her.

A proud graduate of Crest High School, Class of 1982, Laura believed that learning was a lifelong journey. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Western Carolina University in 1987, equipping herself for a life devoted to helping others. For more than thirty years, she faithfully served in the fields of human services and childcare, touching countless lives through her patience, wisdom, and nurturing care. Whether supporting families, mentoring children, or simply offering a listening ear, Laura ministered to people with both professional excellence and heartfelt compassion.

Beyond her career, Laura was a gifted seamstress whose creativity blessed many. She was also a graduate of Cleveland Emerging Leaders Academy and a certified event planner, bringing beauty, organization, and excellence to every endeavor she undertook. Whatever she placed her hands to do, she did with diligence, grace, and an eye for detail.

Laura's faith was the foundation of her life. As a faithful member of Faith Harvest Church, she served joyfully in the Adult Choir, the Harvest Honors Ministry, and the Hospitality Ministry. She understood that ministry was more than a position—it was a lifestyle of loving, serving, and lifting others. Her quiet faithfulness and servant's heart reflected the love of Christ in countless unseen ways.

To her family, Laura was far more than a sister, aunt, and friend. She was a source of wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love. She celebrated the victories of those she loved, stood beside them during difficult seasons, and gave of herself without expecting anything in return. Her legacy is one of kindness, faith, humility, and steadfast love—a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Laura was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Leonard G. Borders and Elizabeth Littlejohn Borders.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving siblings: David Borders, Barbara Lynn Borders, and Bishop L. Randy Borders (Norma); her cherished nieces, Deja Kennedy ~ Bonus Daughter (Marcobian), Hope Borders, Eboni Joi, and Dy'Isha Pryor; her beloved nephews, Ian Minder (Olivia), Efrim Borders, Michael S. Minder, David Borders II, and Matthew S. Minder; her treasured great-nieces and great-nephews, Gianna Minder, Gabriella Minder, Ian Minder Jr., and Sarai O'Steen;aunts Fairy Borders, Annie Mae Littlejohn, uncle Kenneth Littlejohn along with a host of extended family members, dear friends, church family, and all whose lives were enriched by her love.

Though Laura's earthly journey has ended, the seeds of love, kindness, faith, and service she planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Shiloh Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. Visitation of family and friends will be from 2 until 3 p.m.

The family is meeting at 1920 S. Lafayette Street at all other times.