Laura Winslow
1937 - 2025
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Laura Watkins Winslow, 87, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. A lifelong advocate for children's mental health and a devoted public servant, Laura leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Born on October 27, 1937, in Monroe, North Carolina, Laura spent her formative years in the close-knit community of Fairview School. From first through twelfth grade, she was part of a small class whose enduring friendships remained a cherished part of her life. Her academic journey continued at Wingate College and Pfeiffer University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She later pursued and completed a Master of Education from North Carolina Central University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in education and mental health services.
Laura began her professional life teaching second grade in the Asheboro City Schools. Her passion for helping children soon led her to the Wright School in Durham, a residential treatment center for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. This experience ignited what would become a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy—particularly for vulnerable children.
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Laura held several key leadership roles that shaped child mental health services across North Carolina. She served as Coordinator of Child Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services at the Yadkin-Peedee Mental Health Center and later as Assistant Chief of Child Mental Health Services within the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services (MH/DD/SAS). She also directed the Stanly County Mental Health Center during this time.
In 1985, Laura became Chief of Willie M. Services within MH/DD/SAS—a role she held in various capacities until 1998. Her work with this program reflected her deep commitment to ensuring that children with complex needs received appropriate care and support. Following this tenure, she continued her service as a consultant for the Cap-MR DD Medicaid Waiver Program and worked in the Advocate and Customer Services Section.
Over her remarkable 44-year career with the State of North Carolina, Laura's contributions were recognized at the highest level when she was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine—the state's most prestigious civilian honor.
Even after retirement, Laura remained active in her field. She consulted for a Mental Health Center in Concord and volunteered inspecting adult care homes through the Triangle J Council of Government. Her commitment to service never wavered.
Laura was also deeply engaged in civic life. Alongside her daughter Rebecca, she was active in Democratic Women of Wake County and participated in efforts through the Wake County Democratic Party.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Doug Llewellyn of Raleigh; her beloved sister Sue E. Watkins of New York; nephews Kenneth Watkins (Kathi), Harry Watkins, Pascal Watkins (Shawn), Michael Watkins; nieces Susan Kiker and Cindi Varnadoe (Frankie); as well as many cousins and great-nieces and nephews whom she cherished dearly. She is also survived by her honorary "other daughter," Jeanne Binder (Jeffrey Ash), whose presence brought joy to Laura's life.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents George and Letha (Crowell) Watkins; and her brothers Crowell (Janie), Pascal, Herman (Kelly Ann), and Carey (Mary Eunice).
Those who knew Laura remember her as a patient and kind soul who lived by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. She held space in her heart for those most vulnerable among us—advocating without judgment and offering support with quiet strength. As a mother, she was deeply supportive; as a friend and colleague, she was steadfast and generous.
A memorial service celebrating Laura's life will be held on some date in the future.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at 412 Robin Hood Drive
Raleigh, NC 27604
Born on October 27, 1937, in Monroe, North Carolina, Laura spent her formative years in the close-knit community of Fairview School. From first through twelfth grade, she was part of a small class whose enduring friendships remained a cherished part of her life. Her academic journey continued at Wingate College and Pfeiffer University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She later pursued and completed a Master of Education from North Carolina Central University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in education and mental health services.
Laura began her professional life teaching second grade in the Asheboro City Schools. Her passion for helping children soon led her to the Wright School in Durham, a residential treatment center for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. This experience ignited what would become a lifelong commitment to mental health advocacy—particularly for vulnerable children.
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Laura held several key leadership roles that shaped child mental health services across North Carolina. She served as Coordinator of Child Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services at the Yadkin-Peedee Mental Health Center and later as Assistant Chief of Child Mental Health Services within the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services (MH/DD/SAS). She also directed the Stanly County Mental Health Center during this time.
In 1985, Laura became Chief of Willie M. Services within MH/DD/SAS—a role she held in various capacities until 1998. Her work with this program reflected her deep commitment to ensuring that children with complex needs received appropriate care and support. Following this tenure, she continued her service as a consultant for the Cap-MR DD Medicaid Waiver Program and worked in the Advocate and Customer Services Section.
Over her remarkable 44-year career with the State of North Carolina, Laura's contributions were recognized at the highest level when she was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine—the state's most prestigious civilian honor.
Even after retirement, Laura remained active in her field. She consulted for a Mental Health Center in Concord and volunteered inspecting adult care homes through the Triangle J Council of Government. Her commitment to service never wavered.
Laura was also deeply engaged in civic life. Alongside her daughter Rebecca, she was active in Democratic Women of Wake County and participated in efforts through the Wake County Democratic Party.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Doug Llewellyn of Raleigh; her beloved sister Sue E. Watkins of New York; nephews Kenneth Watkins (Kathi), Harry Watkins, Pascal Watkins (Shawn), Michael Watkins; nieces Susan Kiker and Cindi Varnadoe (Frankie); as well as many cousins and great-nieces and nephews whom she cherished dearly. She is also survived by her honorary "other daughter," Jeanne Binder (Jeffrey Ash), whose presence brought joy to Laura's life.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents George and Letha (Crowell) Watkins; and her brothers Crowell (Janie), Pascal, Herman (Kelly Ann), and Carey (Mary Eunice).
Those who knew Laura remember her as a patient and kind soul who lived by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. She held space in her heart for those most vulnerable among us—advocating without judgment and offering support with quiet strength. As a mother, she was deeply supportive; as a friend and colleague, she was steadfast and generous.
A memorial service celebrating Laura's life will be held on some date in the future.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at 412 Robin Hood Drive
Raleigh, NC 27604
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