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.
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Kaylin Weathers sent Red and White Handled Basket for Laura Marcia Borders - July 09, 2026
Laura was truly a blessing to all she came in contact with. Her smile reflected a raise of light and hope. Her kind words with heal your heart and her wisdom and above and beyond her years. She will be truly missed love Tina Sydnor
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope the many memories you have of Laura will give you peace. WCU Family, Larry and Sabrina Jackson
Our heartfelt condolences to all the family members of Laura. We pray that God will comfort your hearts thru this journey. Laura will be missed. Catamounts forever ❤️❤️
Michael and Shaun Naylor ❤️
We've lost so many classmates and to add Laura's name hurts.. She was a homeroom buddy and I'm blessed to call her my friend. Prayers for the Family 💕
Barbara and family, I am so sorry for your loss. WCU would not have been the same without her.
Teresa Walden McKenzie
My Condolences and prayers for the Borders Family with love.
To my classmate and friend that I called my sister. Mrs Laura my sister you are going to be greatly missed from our lives, but never forgotten in our hearts. The daycare truly gonna miss you. Your presence, your smile, your motherly voice in the hallway and classrooms. The children are already asking about you. They are gonna miss you too. Rest in Peace my sister, friend, and classmate. Heaven has gained a jewel. I will be praying for your family you have left behind that God may carry them through this difficult but yet thankful time in their life.
Prayers and condolences to the family. Laura was my classmate at Crest high school. Laura was a nice person she will be missed. May God give you all strength and peace in this time of grief.
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4
Sending prayers and hugs during this difficult time. I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Laura will be greatly missed. Through the good and bad times she kept going with a smile. Laura take your well deserved rest in Gods arms.
BRAVE: Psalm 28:7 BROKEN: Psalm 34:18 BLESSED: Proverbs 31:25 BRILLANT: Proverbs 31:25 BEAUTIFUL: Psalm 46:5 BENEVOLENT: Proverbs 31:20 Rest, my beloved Sister🌼
Bishop & Pastor Borders and Family🙏🏾
I am praying for all family members, friends that have been blessed to have known Laura. I meet Laura in Mrs Freemans class at Elizabeth Elementry, she always smiled and loved the Lord. You will be missed my friend and classmate.
TO THE FAMILY: WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,PLEASE KNOW THIS OUR PRAYERS , AND HEARTFELT THOUGHTS ARE WITH EACH OF YOU. MAY THE LOVE OF FRIEND AND FAMILY BE OF COMFORT TO YOU, AND KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF LAURA, R.I.P. FROM MR&MRS MICHEAL LEE GOOLSBY. CHARLOTTE , N.C.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.