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Laura Custis Ferguson was born in Norfolk, Virginia February 6, 1927. She was the youngest of three children born to William Edward and Sarah Thomas Curtis.
At 6, Laura lost her father. At the age of 9, she lost her mother on Mother's Day. These losses prompted the family's decision to relocate Laura to family members in New York City, she was received and adopted by her first cousin, Lucille "Big Cile" Rowland. Laura's aunt, Georgia Thomas Rainey also took responsibility in helping to raise her.
Upon arriving in Harlem, NY Laura attended Wadleigh Elementary-JHS, and later James Fenimore Cooper HS.
Blessed with a good singing voice, she sang in the New York City HS Chorus. She was also a member of New York City's Arista Society [Academic Honor Society]. In 1944 she earned a scholastic scholarship to Hunter College, NY.
She married Eugene Ferguson.
Laura was the mother of five children.
Laura's most profound gifts were giving to others and her photographic memory. She helped so many through prayer and service. She was always able to recall birthdates, anniversaries, graduations, etc.
Through everything Laura's spirituality continued to grow, she was a member of and sang in the choirs of Salem Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church and Brooklyn Tabernacle. She diligently visited sick and shut-in church members at their homes or in hospitals.
Laura lived in New York City the majority of her life.
She was employed by Chase Manhattan Bank for 15 years, but immensely upgraded her professional status to the New York City Department of Human Resources, where she retired after over 25 years of service.
Laura began her life after retirement in Lawton, OK in 1995.
She continued her spiritual fellowship at New Life Fellowship and Mercy Seat Ministries. She continued her service to others at Comanche County Memorial Hospital where she served as a volunteer for over five years.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1.
She was proceeded in death by her parents William Edward and Sarah Thomas Custis, brothers: Theodore R. Custis, Sr., John E. Custis, Leon Rowland, William Rowland, Monarch Rowland; and sisters: Margaret Rowland Lee and Mamie Rowland Taylor, husband: Eugene Ferguson, and daughter, Barbara Brown Hunter.
Survivors include her son, Louis Brown of Queens, NY; daughter-in-law Margie Brown of Queens, NY; Raymond Ferguson, of Brooklyn, NY; daughter-in-law Yvette Ferguson, of Brooklyn, NY; Edward Ferguson, of Brooklyn, NY; Shirley Ferguson of Lawton, OK; and an abundance of grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the United States. She also has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, spiritual family members and friends.
We the family of Laura Custis Ferguson extend our gratitude for all the thoughts, prayers, love and support that you have shown us as we accept God's will to take our beloved Ma, Grandmother, GG, and Aunt into his loving arms. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
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