Atlanta, IL – Laura Jean Gresham, 61, of Atlanta, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

Funeral Services for Laura will be held at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Mr. Michael Mallick officiating. Burial will follow at the Atlanta Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Jefferson Street Christian Church on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Laura Jean Cole was born in Danville, IL, on May 10, 1964, the daughter of Charles Richard and Nancy Lee Shipman Cole. She was united in marriage to Jimmie Dean Gresham on June 8, 2002.

Laura is survived by her husband and one sister, Betsy Ann Cole.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Laura was a 1982 graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Eastern Illinois University in 1986. She had been a teacher at St. Teresa High School in Decatur, IL, and a State Farm Claims Representative. She worked for the Decatur Herald & Review as a sports clerk and computer operator for 22 years. She was a member of Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, and enjoyed reading and traveling, especially to the Gulf Coast and Mississippi.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.