Laura Manuel

Laura Belle Cotner Manuel, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. She was born on Saturday, September 10, 1932 to the late Rev. William J. and Jessie Cotner.

Laura Belle was a faithful member of Pilgrim Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Rockford where she served in several capacities, including Church Mother, until her health began to decline. She loved to praise God with her strong voice and giant spirit. Some of the many groups that she sang with were the Gospel Four and the Gospel Soul Stirrers. She retired from Fort Sanders Hospital after working 28 years. She enjoyed working with the Blount County Food Pantry. Her greatest joy was babysitting her grands, great grands, great great grands and cooking.

Laura Belle was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, William, Franklin, James, George & Elizabeth Cotner and Mary Lane.

She leaves to cherish beautiful memories, her loving and devoted children, daughter Laura Helen Taylor, sons, Roosevelt (Miranda) Manuel, Mose Leon (Teresa) Manuel and William Jasper (Karla) Manuel; 9 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 14 great great grandchildren; sister Minnie Helen Locke; brother, Walter Cotner; brother-in-law, Ben Manuel; sister-in-law, Epsie (Thomas) Jackson, former daughter-in-law, Renee Manuel Bates; special friend, Ginger Rogers and the Fairpark Nursing Home and the Alexander Family. A host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Family will receive friends at Foothills Funeral Home on Saturday October 14, 2023 from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow. Interment will be at Sherwood Gardens following the service. The body may be viewed on Friday at Foothills Funeral Home from noon – 6:00 p.m. Final arrangements entrusted to Foothills Funeral Home. www.foothillsfh.com