Renaissance Marquis resident Laura Grace Williams Frederick was born on January 19, 1938, in Polk County, Georgia, on her grandparents’ farm just outside Aragon. As an only child, Laura spent her early years surrounded by fields and the simple joys of farm life, often in the company of dogs, cats, and all sorts of barnyard animals. With her parents working, it was her grandparents who filled her days with warmth and care, and her animal friends who provided endless companionship.



Laura’s early education began at Aragon Elementary School, and she graduated from Rockmart High School in 1956 with honors. Driven by a passion for learning and a love for children, she attended Tift College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her commitment to education didn’t stop there—Laura went on to the University of Georgia to complete her Master’s Degree in Library Media Education.

She began her career in the classroom, teaching fourth grade for two years and fifth grade for three more. Her calling eventually led her to Rockmart High School, where she took on the role of Media Specialist—a position she held with dedication for the rest of her 38-year career in education. Laura retired in 1998, having touched countless lives along the way.

In 1961, at Aragon Baptist Church, Laura married Donald Frederick, Jr. Donald served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves for about 20 years, dedicating much of his life to service. Though he has since passed and is buried at Georgia Memorial Cemetery near Canton, Georgia, his memory remains a cherished part of Laura’s story.

Laura’s interests are as varied as her travels. She has always loved reading, planting flowers, sewing, and music. Throughout her life, she had dogs and cats as beloved companions—her last cat before moving to Renaissance was named Abby, who she still misses dearly.

Community service has always been important to Laura. She enjoyed working in the Soup Kitchen at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and later at a community kitchen, sang in the choir at St. Peter’s, and found joy in creating floral arrangements for the church altar. Laura is also a proud member and past Regent of the Xavier Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Since her retirement, Laura has truly embraced adventure. Her travels have taken her on cruises along the Danube, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, the Mississippi, the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, and north to Canada. She’s explored destinations as far-flung as Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, St. Petersburg (Russia), and Iceland, as well as many countries across Europe including England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and other Mediterranean countries.

Laura has called Rome, Georgia, home since 1978. She joined the Renaissance family nearly a year and a half ago, and we are so glad she did. Her warmth, curiosity, and generous spirit make her a cherished member of our community—and after a life so rich in stories, we’re grateful to have her share them with us.