Laura Bell Staton, 89, departed this life and entered her new life on September 19, 2019, with her family by her side.

Laura Bell was born on February 24, 1930 in Pitt County, North Carolina, to the late Maggie Brown Foreman and Rev. Luke Foreman. She grew up closely with 7 siblings. Laura attended the Pitt County Public Schools.

In 1949, she met Rufus Staton, Jr. and she became his wife in 1950. Together they raised 7 children. In 1966, they relocated from North Carolina to New Haven, CT.

Laura worked at Yale New Haven Hospital. She later worked at Yale University as a Lab Assistant until her retirement in 1992. Laura found pleasure and peace being active and working. She loved the outdoors, planting flowers in her yard and vegetables in her garden. She also loved to color in her books creating beautiful art that was displayed for all to see in her gallery. She loved and worshiped God. She was a member of The City of Refuge Ministry.

Laura loved and adored her family and that alone kept a smile on her face whenever she saw or thought of them all. Her peaceful spirit and loving memories will live forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

Our beloved mother is survived by 3 sons, Larry Staton, Ronnie Staton (Janice) and Alonza Staton all of New Haven; 3 daughters, Carolyn Garnett of Hamden, Hilda McCoy (William) of West Haven and Retha Neal (Charles) of Hamden; 2 daughters-in-law, Janice Staton and Delores Foreman of West Haven; 1 sister, Margie English of Trenton, NJ; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rufus Staton, Jr.; a son, William Foreman; a granddaughter, Charkea Neal; her mother-in-law, Retha Staton; sisters, Sarah Roberts, Maonia Staton, Maggie Goodwyn and Zebbie Brown; brothers, Ellis Foreman and Luke Foreman, Jr.

A celebration of Ms. Staton’s life and legacy will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Ebenezer Chapel, 50 Dwight Street, New Haven CT. Viewing and visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park.