Laurie Ann Utsu

Laurie Ann Southall Jackson Utsu, 55, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, in a local hospital. She was born on April 22, 1969, to Harold and Edythe Southall. Laurie was a kind and compassionate soul who touched the lives of many with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She carried a deep appreciation for life and found joy in the simple moments that made each day special. Laurie was a dedicated educator and lifelong learner. She graduated from The Senter School and Girls Preparatory School (GPS) before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. She went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Her passion for education and helping others shaped the lives of many students throughout her career. Laurie dedicated her life to education, touching the lives of countless students over her 25-year career as a Special Education teacher and consultant. She taught in the Spartanburg, South Carolina school system; the Hamilton County Department of Education, including Orchard Knob Elementary and Hixson High School; Gwinnett and Cobb County schools in Georgia; and the Walker County school system. Her passion for helping students reach their full potential left a lasting impact on the communities she served. In addition to teaching, Laurie had a love for music and shared her talents by teaching piano to many students. She also served as a pianist at Allen Temple AME Church, where she was a devoted member, and she attended Olivet Baptist Church. Her warm and giving spirit extended beyond the classroom and church, as she also spent five years bringing joy to others through her work at Dillard’s Department Store. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edythe Southall; her paternal grandparent, Mrs. Alma Southall; her maternal grandparents, William and Geneva Johnson; and her beloved Godfather, Darnell D.J. Moore. She leaves behind a loving legacy in her husband, Micheal Utsu; three sons, Winfred Alexander Jackson of Kansas City, Kansas, William Benjamin Jackson, and Wesley Cole Jackson, both of Chattanooga. She is also survived by her aunt, Helen Dixon of Chicago, IL; her Godmother, Gwendolyn Moore of Chattanooga; her former husband, Winfred Jackson of Kansas City, Kansas; her Godsister, Daphne Moore of Chattanooga; and her Godbrother, Darnell (Yesenia) Moore of Dallas, TX. She will also be fondly remembered by her cherished childhood friends, Gina Greene of Washington, D.C. and Sherri Herman of Chattanooga, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Laurie’s kindness, intelligence, and devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved. Laurie will lie-in-state on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. A service to celebrate her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Richard Ervin as the Eulogist. Burial will be Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Jackson Family in her memory. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MzA4MjI1NDE1ODk1ODQmb25lcm9vbS1hZG1pbiZjb3B5X2xpbms=

Laurie Ann Utsu

April 22, 1969 - March 21, 2025