Laura Belle Hoak |
| 10/22/2018 |
“In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15).” Laura Belle Benson Withrow Hoak, October 23, 1931 – October 22, 2018, was born in Ravenna, Ohio, to pastor parents Vernon and Lillian Benson. While she was still a young child, Laura’s family moved to Mississippi and it was there she was shaped by the Delta community of faith and family along with her three siblings; Howard Benson, Caroline (Benson) McCutcheon and Harry Benson.
Laura attended Anderson University (then Anderson College) 1950 – 1955 and graduated with a degree in elementary education. While attending Anderson College she met and married Oral Withrow. Laura and Oral served long-term pastorates in Church of God congregations in Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Wyoming and, in retirement, many short-term pastoral assignments across the United States.
Laura was a public school teacher, early childhood educator, and an accomplished editor and writer. Beginning in 1975 her writing became a primary calling and ministry. She authored numerous articles for Vital Christianity and co-authored several handbooks and faith guides in service to the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, nationally and internationally. She also penned two autobiographies and in recent years edited three Benson family autobiographies.
In addition to serving on various boards and committees for the national church, Laura served two full terms, 1988 – 1994, as National President of the Women of the Church of God. During her time in that role she and the team with which she served (including Doris Dale, Kay Shively and Mary Baker) advocated on behalf of women and children around the world providing funding and services which improved the quality of life for many.
Laura is mother to four children; Carma Wood Hammel (Randy), Cheryl Eddy (Jeff), Doug Withrow (Stephanie), David Withrow (Jennifer). She is stepmother to Shelley Hoak Pierce and Michael Hoak. Following the death of Oral, she has shared life with Duane Hoak (former educator, Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Anderson University) for nearly a decade. Together Laura and Duane are grandparents of twenty-five and great-grandparents of nineteen.
Google tells us “tonight’s midnight is the first moment of tomorrow.” She left this earthly life around midnight Sunday night following the bedside prayer of her husband. Laura is surely enjoying the “tomorrow” of eternal peace promised by her Lord Jesus.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Lillian Benson and husband Oral Withrow.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018, 11:00am, Park Place Church of God, 501 College Drive. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday 4-8pm and Friday one hour prior to the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oral and Laura Withrow Endowed Scholarship Fund at Anderson University or Park Place Church of God General Ministries.
Rozelle-Johnson handled the funeral services.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.
Laura attended Anderson University (then Anderson College) 1950 – 1955 and graduated with a degree in elementary education. While attending Anderson College she met and married Oral Withrow. Laura and Oral served long-term pastorates in Church of God congregations in Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri and Wyoming and, in retirement, many short-term pastoral assignments across the United States.
Laura was a public school teacher, early childhood educator, and an accomplished editor and writer. Beginning in 1975 her writing became a primary calling and ministry. She authored numerous articles for Vital Christianity and co-authored several handbooks and faith guides in service to the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana, nationally and internationally. She also penned two autobiographies and in recent years edited three Benson family autobiographies.
In addition to serving on various boards and committees for the national church, Laura served two full terms, 1988 – 1994, as National President of the Women of the Church of God. During her time in that role she and the team with which she served (including Doris Dale, Kay Shively and Mary Baker) advocated on behalf of women and children around the world providing funding and services which improved the quality of life for many.
Laura is mother to four children; Carma Wood Hammel (Randy), Cheryl Eddy (Jeff), Doug Withrow (Stephanie), David Withrow (Jennifer). She is stepmother to Shelley Hoak Pierce and Michael Hoak. Following the death of Oral, she has shared life with Duane Hoak (former educator, Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Anderson University) for nearly a decade. Together Laura and Duane are grandparents of twenty-five and great-grandparents of nineteen.
Google tells us “tonight’s midnight is the first moment of tomorrow.” She left this earthly life around midnight Sunday night following the bedside prayer of her husband. Laura is surely enjoying the “tomorrow” of eternal peace promised by her Lord Jesus.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Lillian Benson and husband Oral Withrow.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018, 11:00am, Park Place Church of God, 501 College Drive. Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Thursday 4-8pm and Friday one hour prior to the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Oral and Laura Withrow Endowed Scholarship Fund at Anderson University or Park Place Church of God General Ministries.
Rozelle-Johnson handled the funeral services.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.