Laurel S. Wright, 46, parted this world unexpectedly on April 6, 2021 from a pulmonary embolism. She was born on June 18, 1974 to Merry Flickinger and the late Donald Schell in Orlando, Florida.

Laurel was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Violet, Wilfred, and Opal Schell; maternal grandparents, Clara R. Edwin and Opal Flickinger; uncles, Edwin Flickinger, Jr. and Bill Barton; and aunt, Roma Ricketts. She is survived by her parents, Merry and Blair Imel; children, Savannah Sheely and David B. Sheely II; sisters, Mindy Meche, Jessy Carson, Serena Imel (Carl), and Gina Ackison; and numerous other family members residing in California, Florida, Arkansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Indiana.

Laurel grew up in Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia. Her many travels brought her back to Virginia where she graduated from ITT Technical Institute for Auto CAD, and then from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprenticeship program. Laurel worked for Huntington Ingalls Industries as a Designer 3 for the Columbia class submarines. She was a shining example of optimism in the face of adversity. She was nicknamed Dory (from Finding Nemo) because of the way she cheerfully and gracefully laughed off her clumsy forgetful nature. Her contagious smile and her infectious laugh will be remembered by all that came in contact with her. She will be missed by her family, friends, and those who experienced her exuberance and enjoyed her larger-than-life personality. Although Laurel has departed this earthly realm into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, she would want everyone to “Just keep swimming”.

A celebration of Laurel’s life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverview Farm Park shelter #1. RSVP is requested to medicserena@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that instead you perform one act of kindness in Laurel’s name to honor her memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.