Laura Elizabeth Criddle McCool

On June 13, 2024, Laura Elizabeth Criddle McCool gained her wings, after a courageous 10 year battle with cancer.

Laura was born on September 1, 1962 in Pascagoula, MS to Bradford “Buddy” Criddle Jr and Vivian Ellis Criddle.  She was a 1980 Pascagoula High School Graduate. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard McCool and together they had two children, James and Leighann.  

Laura was proud of her Italian and Scottish roots and those roots were evident in her incredible culinary skills.  She loved to cook and experiment with different and unusual recipes. So many memories were made around her table. Her children and grandchildren will always cherish the Sunday “Family Night” meals and birthdays that made them all feel special.  She and Ricky loved adventure, riding bikes through the mountains and in recent years RV’ing. She retired in 2022 after 15 years of service with the Jackson County School System and was a member of Pathway Church in Mobile, AL.

From the moment she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer until her final breath she fought valiantly.  Laura made the battle look easy, as she shared her story and journey via social media. This brave warrior won the war and is now at rest. She left a legacy of strength, grit, and determination in the face of adversity. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by a brother, Ellis Criddle.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard McCool; a son, James McCool (April); daughter, Leighann Watts (Kyle) all of Hurley, MS; five Siblings, Brad Criddle (Twilah) of Finksberg, Maryland, Cathye Christopher of Lafayette, LA, Cindy Criddle of D’Iberville, MS, Jeff Criddle (Michelle) of Kiln, MS and David Criddle (Renee) of Pascagoula, MS; grandchildren, Chloe’, Madison, and Anthony McCool, and Beau and Scarlett Watts; father-in-law, Jimmy McCool and mother-in-law, Brenda McCool along with numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a close-knit group of ladies she lovingly called “The Girls”, Debbie Clark, Geri Thomes, Dynitia Davis, Susan Gates, Karen Parker, and Denise Hather. The obituary would not be complete if we did not mention her three amigos, her furry companions, Max, Atticus, and Bella Grace (who passed away earlier this year).

Visitation will be Sunday, June 16, 2024 at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula from 5-7 PM. Funeral will be Monday, June 17 at 10:00 AM at Pathway Church, 10775 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608, with Pastor Adam Parker officiating. Interment will conclude at Serene Memorial Gardens in Escatawpa.  Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.obryantokeefe.com

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