Hilda Laurence

Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 25, 1926

Departed on August 9, 2017 and resided in Longboat Key, Florida

Mrs. Hilda Taylor Laurence, age 90 of Longboat Key, Florida and the Forest Hills neighborhood of Nashville, passed away August 9 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

A native of Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of the late George William Martin and Alice Taylor Martin.

Hilda Taylor Martin was born September 25, 1926, across the road from the toddler who would become her husband. When L.G. returned from his time in service, he discovered that the little girl across the street had become a lovely young woman. On April 13, 1946 that young woman became his wife and they journeyed the next 71 years of life together.

During their seven decade relationship, they were blessed with three children and had opportunity to travel the world, especially Europe and Asia.

In the early 1960's, Hilda and L.G. made Nashville their home. They placed their membership with the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville in 1963 and built their Forest Hills home that same year. The plans for the home were actually drawn by Hilda. She had a vision for her family from the beginning.

Exercise and activity were always important. She enjoyed swimming, travelling and shopping, but excelled in golf. They were members of the Brentwood Country Club and Hillwood Country Club where Hilda was once the 9-Hole Golf Champion.

Her dedication and love for her family extended to those around her. She volunteered for over 20 years at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Following retirement, Hilda and L.G. shared their time between Nashville and Longboat Key, FL. In Longboat Key, she loved being with new friends who became such an important part of their lives. However, Hilda always had a special place in her heart for her family and the beauty and natural setting of her Tennessee home.

She adored her children and grandchildren and was a living example of dedication and support to her husband and family. Although their lives together were blessed, there was also heartache. She and L.G. endured the pain of burying two of their children: Pamela Gale Frame and Randall Dale Laurence, Sr.

In addition to her husband, L.G., she is survived by a daughter: Judith Laurence Winfree; brother: George Albert Martin; daughter-in-law: Elaine Laurence Zimmerman; five grandchildren: Randall Dale Laurence Jr, Tiffany Winfree Jolly, Erin Laurence Koshut, Tomi Winfree and Tara Winfree; and nine great-grandchildren.

Honoring her wishes, her family will celebrate her extraordinary life at a later date in Florida. It is requested that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.StJude.org