Laura Hercey Obituary

 Laura Pearl Hughes Hercey, was born on July 15, 1939 to Lee Ann Dale-Hughes and George Hezekiah Hughes in Washington, Pennsylvania. Laura passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024 at the age of 85. 

Laura was a dedicated member of the United States Navy, loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Laura Pearl was the youngest of six children, all raised in Osage and Morgantown, West Virginia. The family eventually relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where Laura Pearl attended and graduated High School from East Technical High School and attended and graduated Nursing School. Laura Pearl worked as a LPN in Cleveland, Ohio for a short time and soon enrolled into Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Laura Pearl joined ROTC and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. Soon after, she enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1964. During her time in the service, she attended the U.S. Naval School of Nursing and studied to become a Registered Nurse, where completed her Masters Degree. Laura Pearl met Zeora at Tuskegee Institute where they both attended college. Shortly after meeting, the college sweethearts graduated, married and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where they settled and raised their family and were entrepreneurs and elite citizens in their community. 

Laura’s journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to serving others, driven by her passion for fostering, nurturing and caring for seniors. She created a warm environment where her clients and patients were treated with dignity and kindness. Laura was the First Black Woman to own and operate Nursing Homes, Respite Care Facilities and Substance Treatment Centers in the state of New Mexico. She also served in the capacity of Chief Administrator of St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In doing so, Laura along with her husband and brothers owned several local businesses including shelter cares, nursing homes and laundry mats in Albuquerque. Her work touched many lives and set a standard for exceptional care for those in need. 

Laura had a special love and relationship with animals especially with her Canine Companions; Sheba, Tripp & Brucey, who held a special place in her heart.

 Laura, “Aunt Jo”, is preceded in death by her husband, Zeora Remus Hercey II, with whom she shared 59 loving years together. She is also preceded in death by her parents Lee Ann Dale-Hughes and George Hezekiah Hughes. Her first son Zeora Remus Hercey III, her brothers James Hughes, Otis Hughes, June Hughes, John Pete Hughes, George Hughes and Dale Hughes. Her sister Loiuse Hughes-Brown. Her nephew Kenneth Hughes Sr. and great-nephew, Michael Allen. Laura was recently was proceeded in death by her son also named, Zeora Remus Hervey III.

Laura also leaves to cherish her memory, her granddaughter Maya Laura Kay Hercey, sister Deloris Allen, sister in law Annie Hughes, nephew and special son Alvino “Rick” Allen (Loraine); nieces Pamela Hughes, Hope Hughes-Jones, Krystal Hughes(Clarence Zimmerman) .

 Great nephews & nieces; Keneth Hughes Jr, Joseph Allen, Philip Allen Malia Hughes Chambliss (Britt), Jason Perez, James Dale Jones, Leeah Jones, and a host of devoted relatives and friends.