Laura Loree ( Anderson) Glenn's Obituary
Early InspirationsLaura began her life journey in the state of Florida, born in Jacksonville and residing later in Orlando. Her childhood years provided the inspiration for two lifelong passions: music and the ocean beachfront. Laura’s heritage was musically rich. Her great grandfather was one of the earliest members of the Grand Ole Opry. Her grandmother was a teaching symphonic violinist and her grandfather an Irish tenor. Her mother was a pianist and inspired Laura, and her brother Eddie, to take up music and learn how to play Bavarian classical guitar. Playing, singing and listening to music remained a constant in her life. Her Floridian childhood also engraved in Laura a peace and passion for the sand and the surf. She loved the ocean, the beach, and even the crabs. Though the family moved to Tennessee, where Laura remained most of her life, the draw to the beachfront and the ocean continued to bring her back to Florida for many vacations.Laura’s Greatest GiftsLaura passed along her passion for music to her greatest gifts, her three children: Beth, Angel, and J. B. Laura also taught her three children how to play the piano. She was “the most caring mom.” Laura and the children’s father divorced when they were young, and the majority of custody was awarded to their father. Though challenged by this, Laura was strong-willed, and what Laura lost in quantity of time with her children, she made up for in quality. The children ALWAYS felt the love that their mother held for them. She showed them love through warm greetings, cards and letters, and long conversations. She showed them love by supporting their education and whatever paths their own journeys were taking, with an “Oh Baby, you’ll be so good at that!” Her daughter Beth relished, that even as a teen, if they made a poor decision or became argumentative, they could always lie in bed and know they were loved by their mother, no matter what. Laura didn’t play favorites, but rather made each of her children feel unique and special: whether her first blessing, “Beth,” her special “Angel Beba” or her “miracle baby,” J. B., each knew they had a warm, safe and loving place in their mother’s heart. They were reminded of that love each and every day.The “Cool” MomLaura was the “cool” parent. She had the home which her children would bring their friends, and those friends wanted to be there. She stayed up late and allowed for the children to do the same. Laura could be fun, join in the socializing or take them places that were entertaining. Laura was their “best friend” as well as mother. PassionsLaura’s passions were primarily focused on those whom she loved. But she extended that love to include a love for horses, and for her cat, Fluffy. Her children were humored by their mother’s spoiled nature with Fluffy, whom they called “Fat Cat,” acknowledging the physical state of the cat that grew larger on the frequent treats that Laura provided. Laura would have long talks with Fluffy and Fluffy in return provided a sense of joy to Laura, but to Laura alone. Laura’s love for the cat was reflected in her “ugly cat Christmas sweater” that Laura wore each year with pride. Laura also had an interest in collecting angels. She began this collection once she received her terminal diagnosis in May of 2012. Laura’s friends and family gave her many angel figurines; she had quite a collection when she passed away. Laura kept her angel collection on a table that she had next to her bed. She cherished her angels and talked about them frequently.Keeping it TogetherLaura’s home was always welcoming to others. Beyond hosting her children’s friends, Laura always had the doors open for her own friends and family. Though busy and filled with people, her home was neat and tidy with everything in its place. She was meticulous in her organization. Items in the cupboards were lined up and facing the right way and her bed was always made. Laura wrote lists, and ensured that those items on the list were tended to before she would take the time to enjoy herself. Her keen sense of order for the house was just one side of her strong, independent nature. The other side was evident in her battle to face the challenges of cancer. Here too, Laura maintained order and kept things together. She fought through treatments, remained positive and optimistic, and demanded her independence for as long as she possibly could keep it. Laura did not want her children to be taking care of her, but rather, made sure that she did whatever she could to ensure they were taken care of by her. Her daughter Angel recalls a final conversation with Laura. She told her mother, “It’s okay to go to heaven; we’ll take care of Nana and each other.” Laura smiled, acknowledging that she had prepared her family well.Passing on the StrengthLaura’s independence was founded on her strong faith. Family friends recognize that cherished element of Laura in each of her three children. Bill proudly tells her children, “You have received from your mother a love for Jesus and for each other and it’s a beautiful thing.” Though cancer finally took away the time that Laura could physically spend with her family, they acknowledge that the disease in fact brought them all closer together. It allowed them more quality time, and a chance to truly witness the passion, love, strength and faith that their mother embodied and instilled within each of them. Laura passed away on December 1, 2012. She was preceded in death by her brother, William Edward Anderson. She is survived by her children, Beth (Vincent) Russell, J. B. Wilson, III and Angel Wilson; her mother, Faye Ruth Hardy and father, William Anderson.
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