Laurie Denise Cooper-Fortner

Laurie Cooper Fortner, 65, peacefully passed away at her home in Cleveland, Tennessee, February 21, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's. She was lovingly surrounded by her husband, Darwin Fortner, at the time of her passing.

A self-proclaimed gypsy at heart, Laurie had a deep love for travel and adventure. Born in Tampa, Florida, she moved often throughout her life, until she ultimately found her home in Cleveland, Tennessee. In 1999, she settled there with her two beloved sons and their father, Dale Cooper, where she built a life grounded in love, faith, and family. Laurie's life was firmly anchored in her deep and abiding relationship with the Lord, and her faith was the quiet strength behind her compassion, grace, and unwavering love for others.

Above all else, Laurie adored her sons. They were her greatest pride and joy. She was fiercely devoted and always there to support them, never hesitating to call again if they didn't answer. Every call, every reminder, every word of guidance was simply her way of loving them fully and without reservation. The men they became stand as a living testament to the extraordinary mother she was.

Laurie was a devoted child advocate, a gifted interior designer, and a true artist whose creativity touched everything she created. She delighted in transforming what others might see as ordinary or discarded into beautiful works of art, leaving a piece of herself in everything she made.

She is survived by her loving husband, Darwin Fortner; her sons and daughters-in-law, Aaron and Sarah Cooper, and Chris and Jennifer Cooper; her treasured grandchildren, Clayton Cooper and Bryce Cooper; her beloved mother, Maureen Creeley Almand; her dear sisters, Tammy Batts, Mona Ellis, and Chele Almand Powers; and her brother, Matt Almand, along with her nine cherished nephews and one beloved niece. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Roy Almand, and her sister, Zerena Almand Brannan.

Though her earthly journey has ended, Laurie is now whole, healed, and resting in the presence of her Savior.