Laura Beth White

May 7, 1930 - May 6, 2022

Laura Beth White, 91, of Hot Springs passed away Friday morning May 6, 2022 one day before her 92nd birthday. She was currently living in St. Louis, Missouri. Laura Beth was born May 7, 1930 in Tularosa, New Mexico to Robert Diamond and Ruth Augusta Sims Braughton. Laura Beth attended college at the University of Texas and Henderson State Teachers College. Laura Beth was a well-known music teacher in Hot Springs retiring from Hot springs High school. She also taught at Mt. Pine, Rix, Oaklawn, Central Jr. High and Garland County Community College. Laura Beth loved working with young people and strived to help them reach their potential, not only in music, but in life as well. There are many students that remember and love her to this day. Her madrigal choirs and the Easter Sunrise Service on Tower Mountain are fondly remembered. She was also choir director at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church for several years. Laura Beth loved all of her family and always hosted family holiday gatherings. She and sister Barbara enjoyed their coffee and catalogs! She loved the Lord and attended church all her life. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Dr. Marsha McBride McCullough (Ken), son Terry McLarty (Sheila), step daughter Judy Cahill Grantham, stepson Mike Cahill, sister Barbara Baber (Doug), and sister-in-law Sue Braughton. Her grandchildren are Grady McBride (Angie), Jon McLarty, Moriah Cahill, and Carson Grantham. Four great grandchildren also survive her. Laura Beth treasured her nieces and nephews as her own. They are Phil Baber (Kim), Janie Curl (Jim), Allison Ramsey, Kevin Braughton (Melanie). Also bringing her joy are great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Her special friend and caregiver for years is Sherrill Brown. More recently, Beth Packer assisted Laura especially by helping with her wardrobe. Laura Beth leaves behind a community of friends and former students she loved. Laura Beth is predeceased by her parents, brother Gene Braughton, husband Leonard N. White Jr., grandson Ryan McBride, and nephew Brad Braughton. There will be a graveside service on May 16, 2022 at 11:00 o’clock at Hot Springs Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Reverend Jonathan Beyer of First Lutheran Church will officiate. Pastor David Fleming of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church will assist. Graveside music provided by Threshold Singers of Hot Springs directed by Kathie White. Laura Beth loved Jesus Christ, her family, music, people, and dogs. In her memory, consider donating to an organization of your choice.