Early on Saturday morning, May, 1, 2021, Mrs. Violet Hamlin McLaughlin was called from her earthly home to be with her Father in Heaven.   Graveside services will be conducted from the Jones Chapel Baptist Missionary Church Cemetery, 179 Jones Chapel Road, Reidsville, NC on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Weaks officiating.  Public viewing will be held at McLaurin Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Violet Hamlin McLaughlin, the daughter of the late Peter and Nancy Aiken Hamlin, was born on February 26, 1930 in Reidsville, North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Reidsville, she was educated in the public schools of Rockingham County and was a 1948 graduate of the former Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville, NC. Violet was first married to the late Major Powell, Jr., and to this union was born, two daughters:   Joanne Powell Cobb and Daisy Evon Powell-Swinton.

During her young adult years, she worked several jobs for various families in the downtown area of Reidsville.  Additionally, she worked as a drapery folder and drapery inspector at Burlington Industries – Reidsville Drapery Plant for several years before retiring.

She joined Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in the "Nubbin Ridge Community" at an early age and attended faithfully throughout her entire life until her health began to decline.  She served as a member of the Senior Choir and was the oldest "mother" of the church.

Violet was a kindhearted, loving lady with a beautiful smile.  She was always willing to help her family, church members and friends and was loved by so many who knew her.  She earned the title as "chauffer" earlier in her life, as she happily drove her sisters and friends all around town with a smile.

In addition to her parents, preceding her in death are:  her husband, Charlie "Pete" McLaughlin, four sisters – Annie Mae Hamlin Williams, Bessie Lee H. Smith, Frances H. Macklin and Mary Ellen Simpson Walker; six brothers - William Hamlin, Earnest Simpson, Edward Simpson, George "Jake" Simpson, Lorenzo "Bill" Simpson and Robert Simpson.

As the Matriarch of the Hamlin family, she leaves to cherish her precious memory: two daughters – Joanne Powell Cobb (Deacon Ronnie) and Daisy Evon Powell-Swinton, all of Reidsville, NC; three grandsons – Reggie Cobb (Hope), Rodney Cobb, all of Reidsville, NC and Omar Swinton (Alicia), of Eden, NC; twelve great-grandchildren; three great- great-grandchildren; nieces – Linda W. Bass (Sterling), of Pelham, NC, Gladys Gwynn and Marjorie Smith Neal, both of Reidsville, NC, and Barbara S. Bennett, of Greensboro, NC; nephews – Morris Hamlin, Sr. (Garnell), of Upper Marlboro, MD, Stevie Macklin and Dean Macklin (Tracey), all of Danville, VA, Larry Walker  (Valerie), of Ft. Washington, MD, Kenneth Walker (Jasmine), of Temple Hills, MD and Marvin Smith (Kameeleon "Pudding"),  of Reidsville, NC; great nieces; great nephews; cousins; sisters-in-law, Clarice McLaughlin, Dorothy McLaughlin and Shirley McLaughlin; and a plethora of many other relatives and dear friends.

Ashton and Yolanda McLaurin and the McLaurin Funeral Home staff at 721 East Morehead Street in Reidsville, NC are serving the family. Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.

You may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.  To join via YouTube click here.