Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Spouses
Obituary Online notes for Laura Ann (Spouse 1)
Laura Ann Johnston Dinwiddie Tillett
June 10, 1926 - July 31, 2026
Laura Ann Johnston Dinwiddie Tillett, age 100, entered the presence of her Lord on July 31, 2026. Born on June 10, 1926, in Manteo, North Carolina, she spent most of her years on the Outer Banks before making her home in Whitsett, NC, where she lived for the past eight years.
Laura was the daughter of Dr. Wiley Warren Johnston of Manteo and Roxie Elizabeth Swearngan Johnston of Concord, NC, both of whom preceded her in death.
Throughout her century of life, she was shaped by a deep love of family, faith, and the simple joys that made a house feel like home.
She attended St. Mary's School in Raleigh, the Women's College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG), and Columbia Bible College in South Carolina.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She and her husband, Reverend Frank Dinwiddie, built the original Nags Head Baptist Church. After the Ash Wednesday storm and later his death, she moved to Manteo where she attended Manteo Baptist Church. In 1980, Laura moved to Wanchese, NC, where she was a devoted member of Bethany Methodist Church for many years. In 2016, she moved to Whitsett, NC and became a cherished member of Hico Baptist Church in Graham, NC. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and, even in her final days, could often be heard singing the hymns that had carried her through a lifetime.
Laura shared many happy years married to Rev. Frank Dinwiddie, with whom she raised five children. After his passing, she was wed to her second husband, Jack Tillett. Both husbands preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Haugh (Robert). Laura is survived by her children, Howard Dinwiddie (Kay); Nancy Virginia “Ginny” Zdanski; Agnes Blanchard (Chris); and Frank Dinwiddie (Debbie).
She is preceded in death by one stepdaughter and is survived by three stepchildren, all children of Jack Tillett.
Her legacy continues through a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with three more precious great-grandchildren expected to join the family.
Laura had a gift for making life beautiful. Whether she was sewing, crafting, writing thoughtful letters to family and friends, enjoying a cookie, or sitting at the piano, she found joy in creating and sharing with others. She never outgrew her fondness for applesauce and cheese toast – a favorite comfort meal that always brought a smile. Laura's greatest joy was her family. She loved each generation deeply and treasured every visit, letter, conversation, and memory they shared together. Her love, faith, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held at Hico Baptist Church in Graham, NC. She will be laid to rest in Manteo, NC.
https://www.richandthompson.com/obituaries/Laura-Ann-Johnston-Dinwiddie-Tillett?obId=49192814 [14340]
June 10, 1926 - July 31, 2026
Laura Ann Johnston Dinwiddie Tillett, age 100, entered the presence of her Lord on July 31, 2026. Born on June 10, 1926, in Manteo, North Carolina, she spent most of her years on the Outer Banks before making her home in Whitsett, NC, where she lived for the past eight years.
Laura was the daughter of Dr. Wiley Warren Johnston of Manteo and Roxie Elizabeth Swearngan Johnston of Concord, NC, both of whom preceded her in death.
Throughout her century of life, she was shaped by a deep love of family, faith, and the simple joys that made a house feel like home.
She attended St. Mary's School in Raleigh, the Women's College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG), and Columbia Bible College in South Carolina.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. She and her husband, Reverend Frank Dinwiddie, built the original Nags Head Baptist Church. After the Ash Wednesday storm and later his death, she moved to Manteo where she attended Manteo Baptist Church. In 1980, Laura moved to Wanchese, NC, where she was a devoted member of Bethany Methodist Church for many years. In 2016, she moved to Whitsett, NC and became a cherished member of Hico Baptist Church in Graham, NC. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and, even in her final days, could often be heard singing the hymns that had carried her through a lifetime.
Laura shared many happy years married to Rev. Frank Dinwiddie, with whom she raised five children. After his passing, she was wed to her second husband, Jack Tillett. Both husbands preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Haugh (Robert). Laura is survived by her children, Howard Dinwiddie (Kay); Nancy Virginia “Ginny” Zdanski; Agnes Blanchard (Chris); and Frank Dinwiddie (Debbie).
She is preceded in death by one stepdaughter and is survived by three stepchildren, all children of Jack Tillett.
Her legacy continues through a multitude of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with three more precious great-grandchildren expected to join the family.
Laura had a gift for making life beautiful. Whether she was sewing, crafting, writing thoughtful letters to family and friends, enjoying a cookie, or sitting at the piano, she found joy in creating and sharing with others. She never outgrew her fondness for applesauce and cheese toast – a favorite comfort meal that always brought a smile. Laura's greatest joy was her family. She loved each generation deeply and treasured every visit, letter, conversation, and memory they shared together. Her love, faith, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held at Hico Baptist Church in Graham, NC. She will be laid to rest in Manteo, NC.
https://www.richandthompson.com/obituaries/Laura-Ann-Johnston-Dinwiddie-Tillett?obId=49192814 [14340]