Evangelist Laura Frances Burris was born on April 14, 1947, in Union Springs, Alabama, to the late Lula Mae Howard and Mann Howard. She peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on June 25, 2025, at JFK Hospital in Edison, New Jersey.

Laura was united in holy matrimony to the late Horace Burris, and together they built a loving family grounded in faith. She was a devoted and nurturing mother to Jacqueline White, Cedric Howard, Aaron Burris, and the late Andrea Burris. Her heart overflowed with love for her grandchildren: Ashley White, Emmanuel Burris, Pernell White, Ciera Irby, Javon Howard, Janisha Butler, Shadia Howard ,Ebony Burton, and Salina Burton, a host of great grands, and a great-great-great-granddaughter, Avery Raymond.

Laura dedicated over 25 years of service to Beckman Instruments before retiring in 2002. However, her work ethic and love for children led her to become a bus attendant for Amaker & Porterfield in Plainfield, NJ. Later, she served as a beloved bus driver at Morris Jointure in Warren, NJ, always greeting others with warmth and kindness.

Laura was deeply rooted in her faith at New Light Baptist Church in Piscataway, NJ, and was known as a prayer warrior since 1982. She began each day with prayer and would send scriptures to family and friends throughout the day, reminding them of God’s love. Her commitment to God and His Word was unwavering. Her church home was Living Waters Worship Center in Plainfield, NJ prior to her transitioning. Her spiritual sisters in Christ—Eva Pearce, Connie Best, and Ida Flowers—walked with her in faith and stood by her in sisterly love and devotion.

One of her most cherished sayings, which she used often as a sweet goodbye, was:“Later, later, much love.”Laura’s grace, strength, and unshakable faith left an everlasting mark on the hearts of everyone she encountered.

She truly ran her race and finished in victory.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lula Mae and Mann Howard, her daughter Andrea Burris, and her husband,d Horace Burris.