Laura Belle Hanchett was born April 25, 1954 to the union of Elton and Mary Lee Frank Joseph in Opelousas, LA . She was the oldest of nine children. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a long time member of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Hearnest Arvie.

She was a graduate of Washington High School. In 1973 she married Peter John Hanchett. From this union, they had three children, Yolanda Hanchett, Elton Hanchett, and Natalie Hanchett McMahon.

Laura was a longtime employee of Cintas before relocating to Atlanta, GA in 1990, where she spent the next 18 years of her life. While in Atlanta, Laura worked as a Preschool Teacher. She absolutely adored her preschooler's and they adored her as well. She truly had a passion for working with children. Laura never met a stranger and she could and WOULD start a conversation with anyone, no matter who you were.

In Laura's free time, she enjoyed sewing, arts & crafts, decorating, going to church, taking care of her many plants, and spending time with family.

Laura returned home to Lake Charles in 2010 due to her declining health. She became a member of Christian Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Edward Alexander Jr.

Laura received the ultimate gift when she departed this life on her birthday, April 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elton and Mary Lee Frank Joseph; her sister, Delores Anderson and her brothers, Johnson Joseph, Deroy Joseph, and Larry Joseph.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Yolanda Hanchett (Horace) of Lake Charles, LA, Elton Hanchett of Palm Bay, FL, Natalie McMahon (James) of Lake Charles, LA; her sisters, Marcella Batiste (Tony) of Lake Charles, LA, Mary White of Lake Charles, LA, Sandra Harrison of Lake Charles, LA, and Arlise Renee Frank of Lake Charles, LA; her brother, Samuel Joseph (Delores) of Lake Charles, LA; five grandchildren, Tremayne Washington (Olajuwon) of Lake Charles, LA, Tyler Washington (Morghan) Lake Charles, LA, Torey Washington of Ruston, LA, Kelby and Eden McMahon both of Lake Charles, LA; five great-grandchildren, Barry (Trey) Guy, Elias Chapman, Kane Eaglin, Karter Washington, Kaiden Soileau and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., and funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Christian Baptist Church, 202 N. Franklin Street, Lake Charles, LA. Burial will follow in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com