Some of us knew her only by her screen name--Seventies Soulchild.
Some of us did know her real name---and others only recognized her by her initials. But whatever she was called, we knew that she was one of the genealogy family. But today, we learned that without warning, she was gone.
For years she graced the daily chats, on AfriGeneas, sharing information on the latest that she found on her Mississippi ancestors, or data on a new line, and all the while she was also reaching out to help others.
She was not out to build an empire or become a leader requiring followers--she merely reached out to share. She demanded no attention, demanded no support for her efforts--she gave freely, which made her friends in so many places. As she found new and useful data, she quickly shared it on her blog and would answer questions to all who inquired.
Many of us met her several years ago on AfriGeneas when she would post to the Forum and would join the daily lunch time chats. Her sense of humor and willingness to share, was always evident. She was not one, however, to accept mistreatment of herself nor of others. And if she experienced a negative, she removed herself from that environment, exited from it with dignity, even laughed about it with friends, and then, continued to give to those who asked. It would be difficult to find anyone who had a negative experience with her. It must be said that her passing has left a hole in many hearts. Her spirit was a good one, and she touched many leaving behind many friends who will truly miss her in the genealogy community.
Rest in peace Soulchild. As you now walk with the ancestors, know that those whom you touched have appreciated you, will miss you, and shall never discount what you gave to others.
Good speed, dear soul.
18 comments:
The Family Griot will be Missed by Me. We just flat out Got Each other.....I'll miss her in the chat rooms on blogtalk. She is getting all her Questions asked now by the Ancestor's. Please send us Gifts from time to time L.t. I'll miss you.
I recall chatting with Laura via AfriGeneas which seems like many years ago now, and I'm beyond sad that she left us too soon.
Sending my condolences to her Family and Dear Friends.
Tonya
What a beautiful tribute. Everything you said is exactly as I knew her to be, though I never even knew her real name, before tonight. May 70's (as I always called her) rest in peace. I pray that she is getting all of her questions answered by the Ancestors!
Renate
I too remember chatting with Laura via AfriGeneas--- which seems like many years ago now. I was used to seeing her many posts sharing information and encouraging others as they began their journey.
I'm going to miss Laura and offer my condolences to her Family and Dear Friends!
That was a beautiful tribute & I am sorry to read of your friends passing. Friends and family who have such wonderful memories are the best legacy to leave behind.
This is a good tribute.
To me, Seventies Soulchild was winsome and at times very funny. She could definitely make you smile.
I never got to meet her in 3D, but it was a treat to learn that she was best friends with my goddaughter!
We will all miss Laura Lanier.
Peace & Blessings,
"Guided by the Ancestors"
Still can't believe she's gone.
Angela, this is a beautiful tribute for a beautiful spirited individual.
Rest in Paradise L.T. Lanier "Seventies Soulchild" I'm praying to God, asking him to give your family strength doing this time.
In the norm, this was much to early to leave..but she is now in the place of her ancestors and so much clarity now. She was a treasure on this earth and now a sparkling jewel in heaven.
I just wanted to say thank you to the author of this blog as a member of her family (cousin). Reading your comments help us see that others viewed her as the warm and loving person that she always was with family. She will be missed by so many. Thank you.
So glad that a member of the family has seen this post. Note that we considered her to be a member of our family, and that she will be missed. For several years she has shared her personality and her sense of humor with us, and we considered her to be part of the family as well. Let her sons know that she was loved in many places from coast to coast. We wish them well, and should they decide to follow her footsteps, we will welcome them. God Bless you all.
So sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed, very missed. I had hoped one day we would meet, but she beat me to the other side. She walks with the ancestors now. God bless you, 70's.
I too remember Miss Laura, LT from around the genealogy sites. As I remember she was always helping others and I truly appreciate all of her efforts. I hope I can follow in her genealogy footsteps when I grow up. RIP and continue helping whenever you cm!!!
You are right, family goes beyond blood lines. She was Blessed to have so much love in this world and she was a Blessing as well. Thank you all for embracing and loving her. Her boys will appreciate your love and energy.
This is such a beautiful tribute.
I am in agreement and appreciate all of the beautiful tributes shared with all of us about our dear sojourner, Laura. May rest in peace with her glowing spirit beaming among us. She was and is truly loved.
Laura, I'm pretty sure we would have touched base this weekend as our practice was a check-in every two weeks or so. Nothing we wrote down on a calendar, but something we always gravitated to. I sent you a text on the night I got "the news." I was waiting for you to respond so that I could tell you what was being talked about and to hear you say, "girl, stop." But you didn't respond. I wanted you to come clear this up. I'll miss our chats, our sharing, our friendship. I'm going to miss you so much, sis. I've had a heavy heart, definitely accompanied by tears ever since.
I keep thinking about your boys, the apples of your eye. Keep wondering how they are holding up, who they are with, if they are okay. I keep thinking about all you poured into them, though, and I know they will grow up to be the beautiful men that you groomed and grew and envisioned. Love you and miss you, Laura. You are with the ancestors of your genealogical research and more--I know they rejoice. Rest in sweet peace, sister. Praying strength and guidance to your family. #neverforgotten
Laure, I know you will there at the MLK, Lunchen with us Tues, of next week at Westpoint Club, like you always have, I will miss you comin over to the sound Board location to say Hello!! I'm here to make sure this thing is run right!!! LOL, thats what will be hard at this event, not being able to say hello!! back to you!!! SIP, rest your soul, I will make sure everything is right.
Laura is my cousin. We were close considering the age difference. I am having a difficult time but by the grace of God I know our family and Laura ' friends tears of sadness will soon turn into tears of joy and laughter. Thank you for your kind words. To know Laura is to love her. She was a blessing to our family. Please continue to pray for the Lanier's, Thompson and Washington Families.
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