Velma Dyer Laws

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Velma Dyer Laws, 80, died at Duke University Hospital on May 10, 2021. She was born on June 30, 1940 to the late Ettie Mae and Ralph Dyer in Panama City, Florida.

She retired from Branch Banking and Trust as Vice President of Branch Operations after 22 years of service in the banking industry. In 1993, she continued her business career as the owner of Kawsaki Suzuki of Durham for 18 years.

Velma’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren, expressing her love through cooking and thoughtfully prepared meals. She found great pleasure in reading and films, eager to share reviews and recommendations. Her sincere generosity and immense love for animals will be cherished forevermore.

Velma is predeceased by her husband, Ennis Luby Laws, the love of her life. They met and married in Reno, Nevada in 1959 and started a family. Velma and Ennis relocated to North Carolina in 1962. Their marriage was an enduring and loving partnership for more than 34 years.

Velma is survived by her daughter Regina Laws Woody and son-in-law James (York) Woody; her daughter Lisa Laws Byrd; and her sister Cheryl Kelly and Cheryl’s husband Mike. She is also survived by her granddaughters Sarah Taylor Ray, Jessalyn Byrd, Mallory Woody Ballard, and Clarissa Woody, and two great-grand daughters Sophie Ray and Taylor Ray.

A small service will be held at Hall-Wynne Memorial Chapel. Please contact the family for date and time of service.

Flowers are accepted, but the family would appreciate donations to Defenders of Wildlife and Tiger Haven in her memory.

The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.