Lauraetta McBride Edgar

Lauraetta McBride Edgar, 81, of Little Rock, "Irish-Catholic," in the very best sense of those terms, Lauraetta Edgar was as Irish and as Catholic as they come. What was a remarkable and exuberantly- lived life ended January 24 but her exemplary achievements and contributions in numerous fields and endeavors will continue to serve and inspire this and future generations. Lauraetta was born in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois in 1930, one of eight children of Arthur and Laura Hayden McBride, all of whom preceded her in death as well as did her husband of 41 years, Rayburn J. Edgar, son, Randy Anthony Edgar, and great-grandson, Henry Arthur Kent. Family, Faith and Friends were core to what Lauraette Edgar based her priorities upon. She is survived by four children: Brenda Kent (Terry), Kathy Hayden Houle(John), Gail Clayton (Raymond), Rick Edgar (Janet). She is also survived by grandchildren: Christopher Kent (Erika), Brian Kent (Rebekah), Michael Kent (Nicole), Anthony Govia (Dede), Peter Govia, Laura Govia (Erica), Randolph Clayton, Jillian Chapman (William), Nicholas Edgar (Belinda), and Miranda Edgar; great-grandchildren: Evan Kent, Ethan Kent, Madeleine Govia, Nelson Govia, Graham Govia, Cecelia Marie Kent, and Audrey Rose Kent. In 1973, Lauraetta and her husbanded founded Star Bolt and Screw Co. located in North Little Rock. She excelled as a business woman and remained active in the company to the end. In 1995 she was selected by the National Association of Women Business Owners as Arkansas Woman Business Owner of the Year. In 1999 she was selected Small Business Administration's Women in Business Advocate of the Year Award and National Association of Women Business Owners Bridge Builders Award. She was a member of both the North Little Rock and Little Rock Chambers of Commerce. Her community, church and cultural involvement included: Downtown Rotary Club 99 in which she was a Paul Harris Fellow, St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center Auxiliary, CARTI Auxiliary (Board member), UAMS College of Nursing Dean's Award, National Women Business Owners Corporation, Southwest Certification Committee, National Association of Women Business Owners - Lifetime member since 1992, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild (Life member), UALR Friends of the Arts, Catholic Business Women's Club of Greater Little Rock, Christ the King Catholic Church (Charter member), Papal Order of the Equestrian Order of Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, Serra Club of Greater Little Rock (Past president), Christ the King Honduras Mission. Typically, Lauraetta pursued hobbies and diverse interests with equal gusto. She traveled the world with friends and family, including pilgrimages to religious sites, two presidential inaugurations and a transcontinental flight on the British Concord. She was an accomplished ballroom dancer, an avid golfer and a lifelong bridge player. An Irish Wake will be held at Christ the King Family Life Center Friday, January 27 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a rosary service. A funeral Mass will be con-celebrated by and Fr. Ernest Hardesty and Msgr. Francis Malone Saturday, January 28 at 2 p.m., Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Randy Anthony Edgar Burse at St. John's Catholic Center, 2500 No. Tyler St. Little Rock, Ark. 72207 Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.