Laura Marcum Obituary

Laura Duke Marcum

June 25, 1959 -

October 20, 2025

GATE CITY - Laura Duke Marcum, 66, of Gate City, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025.

Born on June 25, 1959, in Madisonville, KY, Laura moved to Kingsport as an infant and would call Kingsport and then the river farm, her home for the remainder of her life. She graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1977 and Vanderbilt University in 1981. She married the love of her life, Greg Marcum, on May 23, 1981.

Shortly after being married, Greg and Laura moved from Nashville back to Kingsport while Greg completed medical school at ETSU. Early in their marriage, Laura taught for several years at Gate City High School, where she served students with special needs. Laura possessed an innate gift working with these children, a gift that reflected her deep patience and gentle soul. This special gift, and her love of serving others, would be evident for all to witness throughout the remainder of her life. After the birth of their son Colton in 1985, and her daughter, Hannah, in 1989, she devoted herself to her family, later delighting most of all in her grandchildren.

A woman of faith and enduring friendships, she served on First Broad Street United Methodist's Flower Guild, joined the Junior League of Kingsport at a notably young age, and remained active for decades.

Laura always had an active social life with close friends, such as her Bunko group and beloved "DIVAS". She created a warm, welcoming home, was a wonderful cook, creating a gathering place for friends and family.

Rheumatoid arthritis found Laura early in life, and despite long and difficult, 30+ year battle with the disease, she faced it with a quiet courage and remarkable grace.

Laura is survived by her husband of 44 years, Greg Marcum; her mother, Betty Nelle Duke; her children Colton (Catherine) and Hannah (Brad); 5 grandchildren (Charlsie, Colt, Bo, Nate and Molly); sisters, Connie Tumlin (Matt) and Cindy Collins (Brad); and loving extended family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Buford ("Boots") Duke, IV.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 pm at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport, with Pastor John Rowe officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following.

The family is grateful for the prayers and loving support of so many friends who walked beside her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church or the charity of one's choice.

The care of Laura Duke Marcum and her family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.