Laura Ann Nanney Coughlin Looper died peacefully at home on August 1, 2022, surrounded by her family after a short illness. She was born on March 2, 1934 in Tryon, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eunice Ledbetter Nanney and Elbert Nanney, and siblings Delano Nanney, Phyllis Nanney Dunbar, Elinore Nanney Michelove.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Fred Looper, and her children, Tommy Coughlin (Anne), Pat Coughlin (Jackie), Catherine Cassell (Chester), Mary Ann Tremblay (Jim), Kellye Waller, Laura Burkett (John), Elizabeth Methvin (Tim), and bonus children, Marte Looper Johnson (Bill), Susan Looper Garrett Adkins, Gary Looper, Beth Looper Henley, and 21 Grandchildren.

Laura was raised on a horse farm in Western North Carolina and maintained a lifelong love of the Great Smokie Mountains. During her lifetime she resided in Alexandria LA, Jackson TN, and Crossville TN.

She was an avid volunteer with a passion for helping people. She served in the Exchange Club, and as volunteer for the Miss Tennessee Pageant, and multiple political campaigns in the 70’s and 80’s, served as a “Red Coat Ambassador” for the Jackson TN Chamber of Commerce, and worked as the Executive Director of the March of Dimes. Laura had a passion for reading and learning about history, art, cooking, and current events. She was active in her book club, Sunday school class at Crossville First United Methodist Church, and entertaining the people she loved. She had a special talent for bringing people together and making them feel accepted and appreciated. She especially enjoyed spending the past 31 years with her husband Fred traveling, playing golf, reading, and visiting family. Laura never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by all the people whose lives she touched in meaningful ways throughout her life.

The family will hold a private service to be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to honor her life, she requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.