Rev. Laura E. Nusbaum

Rev. Laura Elaine Nusbaum, loving wife, sister, mother, grand & great-grandmother, passed away on Sunday July 21st, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her husband of 28 years, Retired USAF Msgt. Steve M. Nusbaum, and family were by her side until she left on her journey to Heaven.

Laura was born on February 19, 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was adopted by her doting parents Vern H. Lehman and Helen C. Anderson; both of whom preceded her in death. They also adopted her brother Roger Lehman and her sister Sharon Stover.

Rev. Laura had unwavering faith and was a loyal servant of God with an undeniable talent & passion in leadership. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She was a long-time school teacher at Greenacres Middle School and Northside Elementary where she furthered her career in special education. She wrote a children’s book to help them learn their ABC’s; benefitting her grands, and further showcasing her love of helping children.

After retiring from teaching, Laura had a calling to preach the word of God and received her Master’s in Divinity from SMU Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. She began her career as a pastor at Greenwood UMC; then relocated to Raymond, Louisiana. There she was the pastor at Raymond UMC, Elton UMC and Oberlin UMC until she retired in December 2022.

Rev. Laura had a vivacious personality and loving nature that gave her a desire to help any & everyone she could. She served her community in many ways; delivering kits to the homeless, taking meals to those in need, visiting/ministering to people in care homes, as well as many other opportunities to serve others. Her most recent passion along with her husband was being involved in the Kairos Prison Ministry. They lead a Kairos Outside weekend; which is a retreat to support women who are experiencing the incarceration of a friend or relative.

In her downtime; you could find her tending her roses, reading scripture, doing a puzzle, playing the guitar, bass guitar, piano, or walking her dogs. She loved spending time with her friends & family; painting wood figures with Steve, trips to the zoo or mini golf with her grandchildren, and playing games such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Phase 10 were some of her favorites. You can bet she was a force to be reckoned with when it came to a game! Her heart was so big that she also saved any stray animal, and either kept them or found a home for them. Her cats and dogs were her babies.

 Rev. Laura is survived by her husband Steve Nusbaum, brother Roger Lehman, wife Brenda, their children Rachael & Brandi, her sister Sharon Stover and husband Ed, her son Eric Durbin, wife Amanda, their 3 children Egan, Dillon & Norah, her daughter Deanna Durbin & her son Jacob, bonus son Stephen Nusbaum, wife Tiffany, their 3 children Ethan, Gavin & Gracelynn, bonus daughter Tiffany Givens, husband Darrell, their 3 children Hannah Miller & husband Caleb, their son Maverick, Tristan Tolar & his son Knox & Olivia Givens, bonus daughter Sheena Nusbaum, significant other Gabriel Tibbetts, their daughters Ravyn & Serenity, bonus son Scott (Buddy) Nusbaum, significant other Josie & his son Ryan, her fur babies Yippy, Tux, Lil Bit, Tom Tom & the Quads, as well as extended family and many friends!

Whether it be through her favorite Bible verses, numerous families she’s touched, or listening to her favorite songs that she loved to sing & dance to; her heart, love & light will shine forever. Laura leaves us all with many happy & lasting memories!

Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 AM on August 17, 2024 at Barksdale Community Church, Pastor Kendall Docter will officiate. Flowers, donations to Kairos Outside in memory of Rev. Laura E. Nusbaum, and condolences may be brought or sent to 1465 Patricia Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112.