Laura Paris

Laura Marie Paris, 63, of Knoxville, TN and Panama City, FL, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Lamprini, “Lamp” and her favorite title, “Theia Laura,” was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She is a 1977 graduate of West High School and 1982 graduate of East Tennessee State University with a degree in Environmental Health. Beginning her career in Virginia, she worked various jobs, including at several state health departments as a Health Inspector, Education Director of the Junior Museum of Panama City, FL, and Resource Manager for St. Andrew Bay Watch in Panama City, FL. Some of her best memories included her time as an extra in the movie Dirty Dancing, working the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and being crew on MTV Spring Break. Laura was kind-hearted and fun-loving. She will be best remembered by enjoyment of fellowship with family and friends, love of travel, and zeal for the Greek Orthodox faith. She was passionate about her family’s Greek heritage and genealogy. She was a beloved aunt who adored her nieces and nephews and their children as her own. She was preceded in death by her father, George Chris Paris, and brother, Harry Paris. She is survived by her mother, Christina Regas Paris of Knoxville, brother Chris Paris of Knoxville, sister Connie (Jim) Vavalides of Knoxville, sister Eleni (Rich) Murphy of Petersburg, Virginia, sister-in-law Penny Paris of Knoxville, 4 nephews, 7 nieces, 4 great-nephews and 1 great-niece. She is also survived by 2 aunts and many cousins including many special family members in Greece. She leaves behind her adored dog “Georgi” and many lifelong, treasured friends across the country. Receiving of family and friends will occur at Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann at 6200 Kingston Pike on Monday, May 8 from 6-8 PM with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM and funeral to be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 4070 Kingston Pike on Tuesday, May 9 at 11:30 AM. Interment will be at Lynnhurst Cemetery at 2300 Adair Drive following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville, TN or St. John The Theologian Greek Orthodox Church in Panama City, FL. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Laura Paris

November 24, 1959 - May 8, 2023