Laura Emma "Cookie" Brady

Laura Emma Thornton Brady, known to family and friends as "Cookie", entered her eternal rest on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the age of 83. 

Laura was the second child of Pastor Emeritus Percy C. Thornton Sr. and Alberta Rabb Lee Thornton. The Youngstown, Ohio native was born on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1941. Laura graduated from North High School in 1959 and received a scholarship to Youngstown State University; she was also a graduate of Lewis Weinberger and Hill School of Cosmetology.  

Laura was known for her hair styling abilities, attention to detail and commitment to the Christian faith. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Youngstown, Ohio. However, she was most known for being a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  

Laura was married to Matthew “Fred” Brady on Sept. 5, 1964, and remained married for 57 years, till his passing on Feb. 10, 2022. The couple originally met when she was four years-old and he was eight. They married on Sept. 5, 1964, and had seven children, Tisha P. Brady, Pia Brady, Jada Brady, Andre “Ian” Brady, Avery (Patrice) Brady, Leah Brady and Aaron Brady. She was greatly loved by her four grandchildren, Julien and Justin Aina, Hannah Brady and Ava Brady. Laura will be greatly missed by her family, including a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and siblings, Percy C Thornton Jr.  and Ronald Thornton. 

Services will take place Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Price Memorial AME Zion Church in Youngstown, Ohio. Calling hours are from 11 a.m. to noon, with services following directly.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laura Emma "Cookie" Brady, please visit our floral store.