Laura Layton Studley

Laura Layton Studley, 55, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on November 19th, 2025 at 1:18 pm surrounded by her loving family. Known by many for her service to family and community, Laura leaves behind a legacy that impacted far more lives than she ever imagined.

Born on May 16th, 1970, in Columbia, South Carolina, Laura was the eldest daughter of Joseph Layton (deceased) and Dianne Logan. From an early age, Laura was known for being the best big sister to her younger sisters Amy and Melanie. In the eighth grade she met the love of her life Shawn, at Hopkins Jr High School... where the two became inseparable. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, with a bachelors degree in fine arts, Laura managed ‘Be Beep a Toy Shop’ in Forest Acres before becoming a full time mother, homemaker, and military wife. In the course of that service, she moved coast to coast, living in the Carolinas, Maryland and California, impacting lives across the country.

Laura had a rare ability to see others and make them feel welcome. Anyone who spoke to her knew a comfort that was hard to find. Sometimes she would talk on the phone for hours because everyone needed their opportunity to speak with her. Her compassion will always be felt in the hearts of those around her. In her community, Laura was the model civil servant. Her charity and volunteer work are perhaps most exemplified by her devotion to her husband, Shawn and his work with the Georgetown and Catawba Ridge High School Naval Junior ROTC program where she changed the lives of countless children, instilling a sense of community, country, and purpose. All of us will remember Laura for her words of wisdom and graceful actions.

At home, Laura was the heart of her family. She cooked every dinner, sewed each Halloween costume, and packed everyone’s lunch with a note. She taught her children how to express themselves as artists and carry themselves with confidence. She was a devoted wife of 34 years, who loved, cherished, and honored her husband and the sacrament of marriage.

Laura is survived by her husband, Shawn, her children, Jack, Beau, and Shay, her younger sisters, Amy and Melanie, her mother, Dianne, and her grandchildren, Mila and Shawn each of whom carries along a piece of her spirit. She is preceded in death by her father Joe Layton.

A service celebrating Laura’s life will be held Monday November 24 at 4:00 with visitation to follow at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place, Fort Mill, SC 29708. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to PAWSibilities/Humane Society in Fort Mill, SC.

Above all, Laura will be remembered for the joy and love that she put into the world. Her impact on her family and community is immeasurable and her memory will live on in the words and actions of those that knew her forever.