Laura Lynne Solomon Youngblood, Beloved Advocate, Passes Away
Laura Lynne Solomon Youngblood, a dedicated public health advocate and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, after a prolonged battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 49 years old and was surrounded by family, friends, and the compassionate team from Guiding Light hospice during her final moments.
Born on August 22, 1976, in Santa Cruz, California, Laura was the daughter of Harvey J. Solomon and Mary F. Solomon (née Currier). Her mother predeceased her in 2015. Laura is survived by her husband of nearly two decades, Adam Charles Youngblood; her father, Harvey; her stepmother, Jan Hussey; and her brother, Jeff Solomon, along with his wife, Kara, and their three sons, Parker, Bennett, and Weston. A wide circle of relatives and friends mourns her loss.
Growing up in the small town of Ben Lomond, California, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Laura quickly distinguished herself as a bright student. She attended San Lorenzo Valley High School, where she served as valedictorian. A close-knit group of friends, known as “The Goddesses,” remained by her side throughout her life, providing unwavering support until the end.
Laura pursued higher education at Cal Poly University before earning her master’s degree in epidemiology from Emory University in Atlanta, where she forged lifelong friendships with classmates such as Nicole, Cindy, Erin, Steve, Julie, and Ryan. Over nearly 25 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Laura became a respected expert in protecting the rights of research participants. Her colleagues recognized her as a fierce advocate for human subjects protections, and she was celebrated for her leadership and commitment to public health.
In her role at the CDC, Laura’s vast knowledge and mentorship significantly benefited her peers, including supervisors Elise and Rita, and team members Nicky, James, Dena, Chip, Rudith, Tykitcha, and Tamika. Her contributions left a lasting impact on the organization and its mission.
Outside her professional achievements, Laura was passionate about music and community. She participated in several choirs in Atlanta, including the Collegium Vocale and the William Baker Festival Singers. Her vocal coach, Rebecca Shipley, guided her for over 15 years. Additionally, she and her mother performed together in the San Lorenzo Valley Women’s Choir and the Patti McDonald Singers.
Running was another of Laura’s lifelong interests; she enjoyed competing in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, even during her cancer treatment. As part of her local running group, the “Running Ladies,” she formed deep connections with Jacqui, Tammy, Sherri, Jocelyn, and Danah.
Laura faced her cancer diagnosis with remarkable strength and resilience for more than seven years, forming a close bond with Ashley Proper, a lifelong friend of her husband, Adam. She often expressed the importance of early screening for cancer, a message that resonated deeply with her loved ones.
Laura’s warmth, kindness, humor, and optimism earned her a special place in the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society or a local humane society in her honor, reflecting her long-standing love for cats.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date to honor her legacy. Condolences may be shared with the family through the McKoon Funeral Home website. Laura Lynne Solomon Youngblood will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, and her contributions to public health and her community will not be forgotten.
