Laura Vernet Hilton

Laura Vernet Price Hilton, 61, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, passed from this walk of life on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at her home.

She was born December 31, 1963. In her own words, she was “a tax rebate baby.” Raised in a Christian home, she came to know the Lord at the early age of six years old. Laura was active in the AWANA memory verse program in her church in St. Louis, Missouri, winning the Timothy and Meritorious Awards. She was also a helper in the AWANA programs in various churches.

Laura met her husband-to-be, Steven Andrew Hilton, at a back-yard bible study, three weeks after he was discharged from the United States Navy. They were married three months later, after Laura “accidentally” proposed to Steve while engaged in a squirt-gun fight in her Springfield, Missouri apartment. Naturally, Steve held her to it. They began their life together on December 19, 1987. Steve graduated from John Brown University and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, and they both enjoyed a pastorate at Mooreland Community Church in Michigan.

Along the way, the Lord blessed their marriage with five children: Loundy Allan Hilton, Michael Steven Hilton, Kristin-Anne Vernet Hilton, Jenna Vernet Hilton, and Kaeli Vernet Hilton.

Two other children were taken home to Heaven before they were born. I know that Laura had a joyful reunion with them.

An avid reader, Laura also became a recognized author, focusing her writing talents in the Christian Amish fiction and Romantic Suspense genres. With over 20 books to her credit, Laura also received several significant writing awards.

Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and was declared in remission in 2007. Then she was diagnosed with Parkinsons around 2010. Most recently, Laura had been struggling with acid reflux and a nagging cough. In spite of her recent health challenges, Laura still tried to write some every day. Her body may have been failing, but her mind and her passion were still as sharp as ever.

Laura was my best friend, my constant companion, my most trusted adviser, and the love of my life. We celebrated our 37th anniversary just 22 days ago, a marriage founded on two mutually agreed upon principles:

1. The Lord comes first in everything, and
2. Neither one of us says, “I Quit.”

By God’s grace, this is our legacy. Laura, I still love you and I will still hold these principles sacred.

Our son, Michael, has asked me to share his thoughts, as well:

“I regret that I am unable to be present in person for this memorial service, but I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Pastor Jeff Hawkins for including me virtually. Laura was not only a devoted wife to my father, Steve, but also a wonderful mother to me and my siblings. She lived her life with unwavering trust in God and the power of prayer, guiding us all with her faith. Although I wish I had visited home more often, I was grateful for the opportunity to video call her nearly every week. These calls allowed us to stay connected and share important life events, such as the birth of her first grandchild, Marnie, in early December. When my dad shared the news of her passing, the weight of the moment did not fully hit me right away. However, in time, I found comfort knowing she is now at peace and in a better place.”

A memorial service will be held, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Franklin Baptist Church in Franklin, Arkansas, beginning at 11:00 AM with Bro. Jeff Hawkins officiating.