Laura Virginia Whitmore

Laura Virginia Whitmore (03/06/1960–08/06/2021) On Friday, August 6, 2021, the world was shaken by the loss of Laura Virginia Whitmore, who died in her home in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the age of 61.

Laura was born on March 6, 1960 to Joe and Tommie Douthitt in Garland, Texas and grew up in Wylie, Texas, where she graduated high school in 1978. She attended Hardin-Simmons University, where she met her husband, Keith Ames Whitmore, and graduated in 1982. Laura married Keith on June 29th, 1985, and later gave birth to her beloved sons: Kenneth, Stephen, Joseph (who died in his first year), and twins Thomas and Benjamin.

Laura touched the lives of generations teaching at Shawnee Public Schools beginning in 1998, as choir teacher at Shawnee Middle School and as kindergarten teacher and reading specialist at Shawnee Early Childhood Center. She achieved her Master’s in Education from East Central University in 2016. As a devoted member of University Baptist Church, Laura served for 24 years as organist alongside Keith on piano. In addition to leading adult and children’s choir, directing handbells, and serving in the nursery, she went above and beyond to welcome new members, plan and host church gatherings, and foster ministries like Family Promise. She frequently joined the cast, crew, and audience at Shawnee Little Theater and supported local outreach through organizations like Community Renewal. In 2018, she was a proud participant in the state-wide Teacher Walk-Out to improve conditions and resources for her students and fellow teachers.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, Joe, brother, Dennis, and son, Joseph. She is survived by her husband, Keith, mother, Tommie, sister, Betty, sons, Kenneth, Stephen, Thomas, and Benjamin, and daughter-in-law, Callie. Laura’s loving spirit and its impact on her community will continue to be felt by her family, friends, neighbors, peers, and students for lifetimes to come.

A memorial service for Laura will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at University Baptist Church, 2515 N Kickapoo Ave in Shawnee, Oklahoma. There will also be a live stream available through the church’s Youtube channel.

Laura’s family requests that all attending wear masks and appreciates donations of books and school supplies in lieu of flowers.