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Oct. 12, 1930 – Feb. 3, 2015

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Willie C. Galaher, 84, who died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Laurel.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mrs. Galaher was born in Martin, at the home of her grandparents and namesake, Willie Clay. She was the first of seven children born to James Vardaman and Lola Clay. Her childhood was spent in Meridian until moving to Collinsville as a teenager where she became the editor of the first year book to be published at Collinsville High School.

She met the love of her life, Russell Alward Galaher at the age of 15, Aug. 28, 1946, at a local church party. The two were married in Meridian and moved north where Russell attended chiropractor school before moving to Laurel in 1958, where they raised their children. Appreciated by her family as a teacher and loving mother, Willie is remembered for her love of the arts.

Survivors include her loving husband of 64 years, Dr. Russell A. Galaher; five children, Gail Smith and husband, Don, Gary Russell Galaher, Gregory Charles Galaher and wife, Missie, Gwen Deakle and husband, John, and Dr. Geoffrey Lamar Galaher and wife, Dr. Chris.

Willie was affectionately referred to as “Nan” by her 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. John’s Day School, 520 N. 5th Ave., Laurel, MS 39440.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.