Laura Byars Talmadge, 55, of Athens, died Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2014 at her residence.

She was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was a daughter of the late Frank and Beulah Nichols Byars and was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Carolyn Trobenter and Joyce McAmis.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was a graduate of McMinn County High School and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College where she majored in Biology and minored in Religion.
She was passionate about animal welfare, and her pets were like her children. She loved her family with all her heart and always had an inspirational word. Her gift of encouragement will be truly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Phillip M. Talmadge of Athens; a sister and brother-in-law, Cathy and Tom Parrish of Brevard, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial funeral mass will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 15, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Randy Stice officiating. The family will receive friends, Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 3:00-6:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials be made to McMinn Regional Humane Society, 219 Alford Street, Athens, TN 37303.