Laura Emma ‘Cookie’ Thornton Brady 1941-2025

Laura was the second child of Pastor Emeritus Percy C. Thornton Sr. and Alberta Rabb Lee Thornton.

The Youngstown native was born Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1941. Laura graduated from North High School in 1959 and received a scholarship to Youngstown State University; she was also a graduate of Lewis, Weinberger and Hill School of Cosmetology.

Laura was known for her hairstyling abilities, attention to detail and commitment to the Christian faith. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Youngstown; however, she was most known for being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Laura was married to Matthew “Fred” Brady for 57 years till his passing on Feb. 10, 2022. The couple originally met when she was 4 years old and he was 8. They married Sept. 5, 1964, and had seven children, Tisha P. Brady, Pia Brady, Jada Brady, Andre “Ian” Brady, Avery (Patrice) Brady, Leah Brady and Aaron Brady. She was greatly loved by her four grandchildren, Julien and Justin Aina, Hannah Brady and Ava Brady. Laura will be greatly missed by her family, including a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and siblings, Percy C. Thornton Jr. and Ronald Thornton.

Services will take place at noon Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Price Memorial AME Zion Church,

920 Dryden Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505, with calling hours 11 a.m. to noon.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.

(special notice)