A celebration of life for Laurie Burkett Smiley of Monroe, LA will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at North Monroe Baptist Church. Brother Bill Dye and Brother Warren Eckhardt will officiate. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park in Monroe under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe.Laurie was born May 16, 1969, in Johnstown, PA and passed away peacefully on October, 15, 2015, in Monroe. Laurie was a graduate of John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas where she was selected as first chair and played the alto saxophone in band. Laurie earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas, graduating summa cum laude. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University, graduating magna cum laude. Laurie began her law career at McLeod-Verlander in 1995, primarily handling medical malpractice insurance defense cases. Soon she would find her niche in family law. Earning her certification in family law, Laurie started her own law practice and built a reputation of being one of the best family law specialists to enter the courtroom. With a photographic memory and a work ethic like her dad, she represented every client to the best of her ability.When not practicing law, Laurie knew her most important role in life. She was the mother of Taylor Alexis, who held her heart as only a daughter can. Taylor was Laurie priority and in 13 years Laurie was able to create memories that will forever be treasured. Laurie was always planning her next trip, devoted to Taylor activities and was Taylor ultimate cheerleader. Taylor was the center of Laurie life and the passion in which Laurie lived, loved, and achieved is a legacy for Taylor. Laurie knew how to give of herself and love other people with a dedication that she learned from her dad. This same spirit will live on in Taylor.Laurie was an inspiration to those that shared her life. She was generous, loyal, and caring to those that called her friend. Laurie was courageous when faced with challenges and committed to making every day and moment matter. Laurie knew how to have fun and celebrate life. She was an avid sports fan and rarely missed an LSU game or a Steeler game. Laurie lived and loved life to its fullest and will forever be missed by those whose life she touched. She gave of herself, her time and energy, and mostly her strength and grace.Laurie was preceded in death by her father, Dr. David G. Burkett; her paternal grandparents, Donald Ray and Nina Jane Burkett; and her maternal grandparents, George and Carrie Marsh.Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Taylor Alexis; her husband, Shane; her mother-in-law, Brenda (Bebe) Smiley; her mother, Bonnie Burkett; her step-mother, Judy Burkett Stone; her sisters, Courtney Schindler (Kevin) and Brittany Burkett; her brother, Dr Scott Burkett (Ashley); her aunts, Judy Pylant and Carla Sandifer (Jimmy); her brother-in-law, Jon Smiley (Kyle); her nieces and nephews; and her close friends that loved her like family and shared life with her.Pallbearers will be Rob Little, David Huckaby, Mike Graham, Bruce Johnson, Brian Tripode, and William Tickner.Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015, from 5:00 P.M. until 8 P.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Monroe located at 1200 Lamy Lane.Memorials may be made in her name to Pilots for Patients, 3127 Mercedes Drive, Monroe, LA 71201 or www. PilotsforPatients.org. This organization was such a blessing to Laurie over the last few months.Well done, our beautiful friend, you lived and loved with a grace that will forever be treasured.I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 2 Timothy 4:7.