Laura Marvene Head Fortier

Laura was born in Lebanon, TN to Marvin and Charlene (Richmond) Head. She departed this life early on the morning of November 8, 2017 at Alive Hospice in Madison, TN.

Laura was a lifelong learner. She started her education at Market Street Elementary School, Lebanon, TN then received her high school diploma from Morristown College Prep School in Morristown, TN. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Oakland University, Rochester Hills, MI, continuing to a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Later in life she pursued her passion for caring for others by attaining a degree in Nursing from Tennessee State University. She went on to work many years at Meharry Medical’s Lloyd C. Elam Mental Health Center and various other care facilities. Her personal business of caring for people extended to taking care of indigent individuals in her home.

Laura was an avid community advocate for the homeless and helpless. She twice ran for City Councilperson in District 2 on that platform. She was a loving Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Bass; grandchildren, Edward Tapley and Monica Tapley; brother, William K. (Delores) Head; nieces and nephews, Lisa Nuuk of (Houston, TX) Emmalyne K. and William M. (Naykiesha) Head; two great nieces, Darby Charlene and Laila Head, Monica B. Cody and Gregory Bradford both of Nashville, TN.