Laura, a remarkable person, stands as a beacon of devotion and service within both her church, St. Peter’s and the Memphis community. With 75 years of unwavering commitment as an adult, she has exemplified the essence of compassion and dedication through her selfless endeavors. A cherished resident of Memphis since birth, Laura’s spiritual journey began by her grandmother’s side at St. Peter’s while attending Mass, where her strong faith took root.

As the youngest among three siblings, Laura’s endearing nickname, “Baby Sis,” reflected her familial warmth and affection. Her education flourished at St. Theresa Little Flower School, and continued at St. Agnes Academy. She further honed her wisdom at Southwestern at Memphis, presently known as Rhodes College. Laura’s legacy intertwines seamlessly with the love of her life, Butch, with whom she enjoyed 57 cherished years of marriage. In their loving Midtown Memphis home, the couple nurtured their children—Beth, Laurie, Hal, and Sue—infusing each moment with laughter and boundless love. That nurturing continues today with her four grandchildren, their spouses, and two great-grands.

Laura’s radiant spirit found its calling in service to those in need. Over many years, she has generously given of her time, gifts and love volunteering in many organizations in the Memphis community including Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, Dorothy Day House, Madonna Learning Center, First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen, Calvary Street Ministry, Metropolitan Interfaith Association and the Church Health Center. We are especially grateful for her long-time service and dedication to St. Peter's community where she currently serves as an officer of the Women’s Guild, and monthly as an after-Sunday Mass hospitality team leader. Her presence and her love for God and neighbor has been a gift to all who have known her at St. Peter's parish.

Through countless acts of kindness, Laura has woven herself into the very fabric of Memphis, leaving an indelible mark of compassion and selflessness for generations to come.

Bishop David Talley is the 6th and current Bishop of Memphis. He pre-viously served as Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, LA. 

Bishop Talley, originally from Columbus, Ga., was raised a Southern Baptist, but converted to Catholicism while a student at Auburn University. He was received into the Catholic Church at age 24 at Saint Mary Church in Opelika, Alabama.

After his studies at Auburn, he later obtained a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia and spent time as a case worker in Fulton County, Ga., protecting children from abuse and neglect. Bishop Talley was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1989, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, Ga. He was named Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2013. In addition to his pastoral experience as a parochial vicar and as a pastor, Bishop Talley also served as Director of Vocations and Vicar for Tribunal for the Archdiocese.

Bishop Talley is currently the Chairman for the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.