Meridian, MS - Memorial services for Mrs. Laura Leann Dayton White were held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with the Reverend Dr. Will Wall officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. White, age 39, of Meridian passed away on June 19, 2026.

Laura was born on June 15, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from the Mississippi School of Math and Science and later attended the University of Mississippi. She later enlisted in the United States Army, honorably serving in Germany. She worked for many years at her father's practice as a medical assistant. Laura adored her son, Harry, and her family and friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Meridian. Along with her other passions, she had a profound love for her dogs, Penelope, Amanda, Delilah, Tank, and Baby Girl. She loved life and telling stories.

In her step-daughter, Brooke White's words, "Although Laura was very pretty, when I think of her, I think of a kind of beauty that you don't always see at first glance. Laura had the kind of beauty you had to discover. It wasn't just what met the eye. Her greatest beauty came from within, from her soul, from her heart, and from the way she chose to see the world. Laura was unapologetically herself, and in a world that often asks us to fit in, that was one of her greatest gifts. Laura had a special love for children and animals. They brought out the tenderness in her, and she loved them with her whole heart. One of her deepest desires was to be a mother. That nurturing spirit, that longing to love and care for others was woven into who she was. Even though she didn't get to be a mother long I can't help but believe that one of her most important purposes was to have Harry. I think it would be wrong not to acknowledge one simple truth: Laura was crazy. Not mean crazy, not harmful crazy, but wonderfully and uniquely Laura. She could talk your ear off, tell stories that would leave you wondering where they came from, and have you laughing so hard you couldn't breathe. You could only handle Laura in small doses, but somehow, those doses left memories that lasted a lifetime. Life with Laura was never boring. Ever. She was strong, too. Strong physically and strong mentally. Life threw challenges her way, and she faced them with courage and determination. She was a fighter, and she carried herself with a strength that was impossible not to admire. And then, there was the love of her life, my dad. Laura loved being his wife. She was proud of that title, proud of the life they had together, and proud to stand beside him no matter what. Anyone who knew them knew that my dad had finally met his match. They were two strong personalities, two free spirits, and two wonderfully crazy souls who somehow fit together perfectly. And if we're being honest, Laura may have actually been crazier than he was, which was exactly what finally put him in his place. Their love wasn't always quiet or ordinary, but it was real. It was passionate, loyal, and full of laughter. They understood each other in a way only they could, and they loved each other fiercely. I like to imagine that they are reunited now. There will never be another Laura. She was one of a kind. She was beautiful in ways that went far beyond appearances. She was strong, loving, compassionate, funny, eccentric, and unforgettable. And while we grieve her absence, I hope we will also celebrate the gift of having known her. Because Laura taught us everything, it was to be ourselves, to love without reservation, and to live life boldly. Rest easy, Laura. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten."

Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Drs. Harry and Leeann Dayton; her son, Harry Dayton White; her stepchildren, Jonathan Mena, Catherine Joiner, Brooke White, and Jacob Allen; several step-grandchildren; one sister, Amy Dayton; one brother, Andrew Dayton; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Janice Hayes; sisters-in-law, Dana Prince and Lorrie Harper; one aunt, Gail Dotson (Chris); and one cousin, Coulter Dotson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald White, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Hubert and Jean Gilmer; paternal grandparents, Harry and Clara Mae Dayton; and one uncle Stephen Gilmer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. White be made to First Baptist Church of Meridian.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.