Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Ertha Lee Coker Laird, 88, will be held at 11 o'clock a.m. on Friday morning, October 18, 2024, at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale. Rev. Greg Willis will officiate. Ertha Lee will be laid to rest at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakdale immediately following her services.

Ertha Lee's family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Thursday evening, October 17, 2024, from 3-9 o'clock p.m. Ertha Lee's visitation will resume at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Friday morning, October 18, 2024, from 9 o'clock a.m. until time of service. All of Ertha Lee's arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

Ertha Lee Laird, the daughter of Frank and Bertie Coker, was born on September 28, 1936. She entered eternal rest on October 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth. Ertha Lee married her devoted husband, Noah A. Laird, on October 2, 1954. Together, they created a nurturing family, raising two children—Dana Allen Laird and Janet Lee Laird—along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her deep affection for family and friends. Sunday afternoons found her in her father's kitchen, kneading dough for biscuits, dripping coffee, and sharing in laughter around the family table. A dedicated lifelong member of Oakhill Baptist Church, she served as the church secretary and enjoyed singing alongside her siblings in the choir, where her beautiful voice filled the space with warmth and joy. With over 30 years of service at Nichols Department Store, Ertha Lee created lasting memories for her customers and grandchildren. Her grandchildren fondly recall helping her make bows, wrap gifts, measure, and cut material, and trying on the shoes. They knew they would always be greeted with a warm hug and kiss, along with an ice-cold Coke and a piece of candy. She found joy in parades and candy apples, cherished the beauty of snow, and took great pride in her community. Ertha loved tending to her yard, nurturing her flowers and garden, and playing with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Everyone that who knew her valued her beauty, both inside and out. She made sure to leave home with her lipstick perfectly applied and always welcomed others with a warm hug and a smile. Proud of her strength, she often boasted about her ability to split firewood, although she never needed to do so to prove her resilience. A multi-talented woman, Ertha Lee was skilled in crocheting, sewing, gardening, singing, and canning vegetables. She generously shared her talents with her family, ensuring a legacy of creativity and love, though her legendary biscuits remain unmatched by anyone.

Those left to cherish Ertha Lee's memory include her husband, Noah Laird; one son, Dana Laird, one daughter, Janet McDaniel; one sister, Helen Faye McDaniel; ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Ertha Lee is preceded in death by her parents, Frank, and Bertie Edwards Coker; two brothers, George, and Edward Coker, two sisters, Eula West, and Una Willis; and one grandson, Christian Blue Jordan.

Condolences and words of comfort may be shared with Ertha Lee's family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.