Thelma Ruth Harris Laws was born to the late Mary Harris and Jim Billups in Jackson County, Georgia and moved to Athens at an early age. She was a member of Summer Hill Baptist Church, Jackson County.

Mrs. Laws was devoted to her family and enjoyed a playing Bingo as a hobby.

Her husband, William Henry Laws preceded her in death.

She leaves cherished memories with her children, Willie Faye Laws and Jefffrey Laws; grandchildren, Shayone Laws, Terry Laws and Jamal Cunningham; great-grandchildren, Ava Williams, Fazions Laws and Niterrica Laws; siblings, Jerry Harris, Lonnie Harris Elnora Lumpkin, Emery Harris and Lloyd Billlups; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.