Mimi Argo-Laney, a community advocate who was Gov. Brian Kemp’s sister-in-law, has died. She was 61.

An obituary posted by the Williams Funeral Home and Crematory doesn’t list a cause for Laney’s death on Tuesday, but a person with direct knowledge who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly said she died of coronavirus-related complications.

Laney grew up in Athens and later moved to metro Atlanta. She was a founding member of the Spectrum Autism Support Group and a longtime member of Snellville Christian Church.

The obituary said she moved to Milledgeville last year.

Laney is one of two sisters of Georgia first lady Marty Kemp. She is survived by her husband, Russ Laney; sons Charles Laney Jr. and Robert Laney; and her mother, Jean Alderson Argo.

“Mimi’s passing leaves our entire family heartbroken,” the Kemp family said in a statement. “We ask for prayers for Russ, their two sons and everyone blessed to know and love her.”

A celebration of life will be held Sept. 18 in Snellville. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Spectrum Autism Support Group.

About the Author

Keep Reading

 Catherine Bernard, an attorney for the Georgia Republican Assembly, speaks to the State Ethics Commission during preliminary hearings on campaign finance charges Thursday.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez