Dorla Long McLaurin's Obituary
Dorla Dean Long McLaurin, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 89 years old.
Born on June 30, 1935, in Albemarle, NC, Dorla was the daughter of the late Julia Agnes Mills Long and James Henry Long. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Frank McLaurin, whom she married in 1954, as well as by her brothers James Long, William “Bill” Long, Clarence “Chuck” Long, and an infant sister, Sybil Louise Long.
Dorla graduated from Badin High School in 1952 and later earned her childcare credentials from Gaston Community College. A lifelong educator and nurturer, her passion for teaching began at age 16 at The Little Red Schoolhouse in Albemarle. Over the next four decades, she dedicated herself to early childhood education, operating a home daycare in Charlotte while raising her own children, and later serving as a preschool teacher at Mulberry Baptist Child Development Center, where she worked for 27 years. She was fondly known by hundreds of children and their families as “Mrs. Mac.”
Even after retirement, Dorla’s calling to care for and teach children remained strong. She continued to work in early childhood programs at St. John’s CDC, the East Rowan YMCA, and later as director at Grace United Methodist Church in Salisbury. Her influence reached countless young lives, and her home was often filled with neighborhood children drawn to her warmth, stories, and nurturing spirit.
Dorla’s heart was firmly rooted in family. She is survived by her three devoted children: Frank J. McLaurin and wife Mae of Charlotte, NC; Nancy Goodman of Salisbury, NC; and Julie McLaurin of Hillsborough, NC. She was a cherished grandmother to Amanda Lippard (Kevin Wilson) of Greensboro, NC; Abigail McLaurin (Tyler Kress) of Gastonia, NC; Hannah Hall (Bobby Hall) of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and Charlotte Talbott (Andrew Blythe) of Fuquay-Varina, NC. Dorla also leaves behind her beloved great-grandson, Finn McLaurin-Kress, and her two faithful dogs, Brody and Bella.
An active member of Chandler’s Grove United Methodist Church, Dorla served faithfully as a member of the Ladies Fellowship and as a nursery volunteer. She also volunteered in her community as a Girl Scout leader, 4-H leader, and Sunday school teacher. Her life was a beautiful example of service, love, and devotion — to her family, her faith, and to generations of children whose lives she touched.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care in Albemarle, NC. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Chandler’s Grove United Methodist Church in New London, NC. A private burial will be held at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ladies Fellowship of Chandler’s Grove U.M.C., 2535 Blaine Road, New London, NC 28127, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus (Tucker Hospice House 5003 Hospice Ln, Kannapolis, NC 28081).
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