Laura Jane Jolley

Laura Jane Jolley, a spirited, ambitious, and smart woman, was born on February 3, 1960, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Laura, as she was fondly known, lived a life full of passion and purpose that positively impacted those around her. She passed away on August 30, 2025, and resided in Clover, South Carolina at the time of her death.

Laura was a proud and accomplished flight instructor who dedicated her career to the field of aviation. She was a member of the International Organization of Women Pilots and notably served as the Vice President of Women in Aviation in 2015. Laura was also the founder and first president of Women in Aviation International and was a valued member of the Texas Aviation Association Board of Directors. She held an Amateur Radio License and was an Airline Transport Pilot. Laura graduated from Dreher High School in 1978 and earned a B.A. in Math and Business from Columbia College in 1982. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laura was a devoted cat lover who was passionate about animal rescues.

Known for her strong spirit and ambition, Laura lived in several places, including Columbia, S.C.; Clover, S.C.; Houston, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; Galveston, TX, Savannah, GA; St. Louis, MO; Greensboro, NC; and Charlotte, NC.

Laura is survived by her brother, Lane Jolley (Kim); her niece, Katelyn Jolley and her nephew, John Jolley; aunts and uncles, George (Mary) Randolph, Johnny (Diane) Randolph, Steve Jolley and Linda Willis.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Randolph Jolley and her father, Billy Jolley.

A mausoleum service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Frederick Memorial Gardens, 986 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, South Carolina, 29341. Dr. Wayne Brown of First Baptist Church of Blacksburg, SC will preside over the service. Services are under the direction of Barr-Price Funeral Homes & Crematorium in Lexington.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to your local animal shelter in honor of Laura’s love for cats.

We invite those who knew Laura to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. This page serves as a tribute to her life and allows us to remember the ambitious, smart, and spirited woman that she was. Your anecdotes and pictures will help keep her memory alive in our hearts.

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