Laura Bryan Cope

Laura Bryan Cope, born April 2, 1956, in Leavenworth, KS, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Tampa, FL. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Brian Fuller; daughters Olivia LeClair Kim (Philip) and Eleanor LeClair (Matt Lighthall); stepsons Cory Fuller (Valerie) and Adam Fuller (Johanna Crave); and grandchildren Freya, Vienna, Catherine, Tenny, Keeley, Eisley, and Kierin.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Blount Thorp and Col. Edward Harrison Cope, and brother Edward Harrison Cope, Jr. Her surviving sister, Ann Cope Mueller, lives in Wilmington, NC. Laura also leaves behind a large number of  nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Laura had an undeniably artful way of living, whether it was expressed through her career in marketing creative, her charming and refined style, or her elegant home design. She was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University to study Painting & Printmaking, ultimately earning a degree in Commercial Art from the University of Tennessee and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Laura worked in marketing for Vitality Foodservice and Schwan’s Home Service before launching Cope Marketing Creative, where she developed marketing strategies and creative direction for her clients. During her lifetime, she was fortunate to travel to Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, England, Belgium, and more; her home was filled with art collected from her travels. Her holiday décor was the stuff of legend. Laura was rarely seen without a fashionable flourish such as a scarf or tasteful piece of jewelry. She found beauty everywhere, not only with her well-trained eye but with her generous spirit.

Laura was a passionate wife, mother, friend, and volunteer. She was a cornerstone of her daughters' high school Band Booster program and a volunteer for Florida Wind Band and the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. Many of Laura’s weekends were spent riding horses, and it was rare to find her home without a kitty or two—or five.

Those who knew Laura remember her for her grace, humor, warmth, and deep care for both the people in her life and the world at large. In honor of Laura, we encourage you to open a nice bottle of Oregon pinot noir (or Coke Zero if you prefer), have a great dinner with loved ones, and hang up a piece of art. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to support arts education at the Straz Center or Tampa Museum of Art.