Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 1, 2024

Michele Garrett Laster, 67, passed away on March 1, 2024 at her home in Waxhaw NC after a courageous 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born September 3, 1956 in Washington DC to the late James Arvie Garrett Jr and the late Yessie Geelen Garrett. She spent many of her formative years in Paris and Brussels as her father was stationed there in his role with the Atomic Energy Commission. She attended the American School of Paris, returning to the United States at age 16. She graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore MD , received her Master’s degree in Nutritional Biochemistry at the University of Maryland and then pursued a PhD in the Department of Public Health at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Michele was an experienced equestrian having begun to ride as a child in Paris. When she relocated to Charlotte NC in 1986 with her husband she began a career training and boarding horses first in Midland NC and then at her farm in Waxhaw NC. While raising two sons, she also took up a career as a sculptor and jeweler and became a certified gemologist. She opened her own shop (Atelier 131) in Southern Pines in 2017 and coupled with an on-line presence won over many with her life-like equestrian themed pieces.  

She was a devoted and understanding wife to her husband of 43 years, Andrew Laster and a passionate champion of educational and athletic excellence to their two sons, Nick and Ian. She leaves with wonderful memories of her daughter-in-law Annie Saba Laster and her one year-old grandson, Noah Banks Laster as well as Ali Campbell, Ian’s partner. She is also survived by her brother, James Garrett III of Ojochal Costa Rica and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the Levine Cancer Institute and Dr. Reza Nazemzadeh in Charlotte as well as NEXT Oncology and Dr Alexander Spira of Fairfax VA. She benefited greatly from their treatment recommendations and hopes her enrollment in two clinical trials of pancreatic cancer will help others achieve longer remissions and one day a cure.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 where the family will be receiving visitors Tuesday March 5th at 5 PM. A memorial service will be held Wednesday March 6^th at 2:30 PM at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church 8515 Rea Road, Waxhaw North Carolina. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Network (PanCAN) at pancan.org.