Laura E Jelks

Laura Elaine Hoeser Jelks, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully and entered into eternal rest at the age of 98 in New Braunfels, Texas, on September 27, 2026. Born on November 20,1927, in Midway, Texas, Laura was the cherished daughter of William Lewis and Verne Traynham Hoeser. Laura will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith and Southern hospitality. As a devoted prayer warrior with a true servant’s heart, she touched countless lives with her spiritual wisdom and passion. Laura’s days were a testament to her walk with Christ and her heartfelt desire to share His love with everyone she met. A true southern lady, she poured her heart into her family and welcomed all with warmth and hospitality. Laura grew up surrounded by the love of a large family, “in a time and generation when life was at its best.” Their home overflowed with laughter, affection, and a deep sense of belonging. Life on the family farm instilled in Laura resilience, gratitude, and a joy that remained with her always. She often said she never knew the difference between Depression life and normal times because her world was rich in love and togetherness.

Throughout her life, she worked at various jobs as a title clerk and underwriter. While she took pride in her work, her greatest joy and most cherished role was being a mother. Her family was always her greatest accomplishment and the work of her heart. Some of Laura’s most treasured moments were those simple joys—gathering loved ones around a table filled with her lovingly prepared southern meals, sharing competition over dominoes, and embracing the chaos and delight of family reunions and grandchildren. She found joy in the little things: a strong cup of coffee, heartfelt notes and calls from friends, delicious food, restful nights, and, above all, time spent in God’s word. To visit Laura’s home was to be embraced—she would welcome you with her signature, “Get in this house!” and the sweet aroma of something baking, whether her famous banana bread, rum cake, or mile-high meringue pies. In her later years, Laura’s greatest joy was delving into Scripture, especially the writings of Paul, and sharing her insights through Bible studies she lovingly led in her community. Laura is survived by her children: Morgan and wife Dina McCain, Matthew and wife Kaysa Pierce; Grandchildren: Karri and husband Ben Stewart, Kristen Rowe, Jeremiah McCain, Justin McCain, Jordyn and husband Steven Milenkovic, Holtan and wife Suzanne Pierce, Trevor and wife Haven Pierce; Christian McCain, Cash Saxton, Colt Saxton, Carson Rowe, Julianne Rowe, Christian Milenkovic, Grayson Milenkovic, Stella Milenkovic, Judah Pierce, Piper Pierce, Annie Pierce, Preston Pierce. She was preceded in death by her parents Verne and William Hoeser, husband Roy McCain, husband Alton Pierce, husband William Jelks, son Mark McCain, 6 sisters: LaVerne Srader, Marcelle Kolojaco, Jannie Bullock, Annie Krcha, Betty Lou Bailey, Stella Buckhanan, 5 brothers: Carnell Hoeser, Thomas Hoeser, Oscar Hoeser, Maurice Hoeser, William L. Hoeser Jr. “Those who loved and knew me will define me the way they knew me. Each one will have their own memories and what I meant to each one in his own way, how I affected their life. Each will have their own story. In the end, I hope that I’ll leave a part of me to live on in each one’s life. Maybe, a part they’ll pass on to their children or someone. Something to say I was here and I was part of them. God bless each one in a very special way, for each one is very special to God and me.” - Love, Laura A funeral will be held on October 1, 2026.Viewing at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am. Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 10129 F.M. 1097, Willis, Texas 77318. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm. Oakwood Baptist Church, 2154 Loop 337, New Braunfels, Texas 78130.