Laura Riggan Poland, 75, of Gloucester Point, died Oct. 7, 2011 at her home.

She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church and the Abingdon Woman’s Club. Laura was very involved with her children, especially when they were in school and was always a willing volunteer at the schools. Beyond raising her family she was involved in a host of church and community roles, helping in the family grocery store and working at the former Bank of Gloucester.

Laura loved everyone she met and to those who knew her she became a source of inspiration and friendship. She was a loving wife, mother, "grand mommy" and sister, and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Richard G. Poland; son, Tim G. Poland and fiancée, Helen Carr; daughter, Sheila Poland Tinker and husband Larry; granddaughter, Brittany Tinker; brother, Robert Riggan, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Arthur L. Wolz Jr. were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bethany United Methodist Church. Interment followed in the church cemetery. The family received friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In Laura’s memory, contributions may be given to Bethany United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 527, Gloucester Point, Va. 23062; or for her love of animals to the Gloucester- Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.