Laura Mae Thornhill Stanley passed away at her home in Appomattox on Monday, August 11, 2025, after 92 years of a life well lived.

Laura was the daughter of the late Samuel N. and Lois Lawhorn Thornhill and the wife of the late Henry M. Stanley, Jr. She had one older sister who died in infancy, Ruby Caroline Thornhill.

She is survived by her sons, Wayne Stanley of Appomattox and Ralph Stanley (Neal Jones) of Richmond, VA; her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Stanley Ranson of Amherst; and her cousins who were very dear to her. She was fortunate to have many cousins from both sides of her family.

Laura was a lifelong resident of Appomattox County. She was a member of Liberty Chapel Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, was church secretary and could always be found in the church kitchen where she enjoyed serving her church family. Liberty Chapel was the center of her life for as long as she was able to attend. Laura retired as the Postmaster of Gladstone, VA after 30 plus years. She loved her job and the people of Gladstone, and she knew them all by name and where they lived. She always had great fun on the days that she rode with the mail carriers to inspect the routes and enjoyed the treats that the residents had ready for them. Her retirement years were filled with travel and shopping. She loved going to restaurants and never said no to something new and different.

In her last few years, she was blessed with a wonderful team of caregivers who became a second family to her. With their loving care she was able to remain in her home as she always wished. We want to thank all of them, Arylece Cousins, Pat Chandler, Ashlyn Hensley, Margie Coleman, Emily Cabell, Estel Kelso, Irene Broggin and Nicole Martinez. A special thanks to cousins Faye (who we lost in 2024) and husband, Charles Morgan and her friend Linda Gregory who were always there for her.

A funeral service will be held at 3 pm, August 15, 2025, at Liberty Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor Tony Cousins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church and at other times at her home.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com