Loretta Darnell Courtland

Loretta Darnell Courtland, 74 of Madisonville TN left her earthly dwelling to enter into her heavenly home on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, where she was welcomed home by a host of family angels and friends. Loretta was born in Madisonville TN to the union of Mary Ann and William (Fred) Black on February 7th, 1951, in Madisonville TN. She was the third of nine children born from this union. While growing up she spent most of her life in Madisonville TN and other local towns due to her father being a minister and would follow the family with his appointments. Loretta attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville and later completed her licensed practical nursing program. As a devoted nurse she embodied the example of the science and the art of nursing, and she layered that with compassion, care and love. Loretta was an extra loving mother and grandmother, sincerely generous that doted over each child and grandchild. Always making sure they had what they needed or 'wanted'. A faithful member of Rice Chapel AME Zion where she attended services regularly until her health would no longer allow. You could see her on the left side of the church, second pew seated beside her mother Mary Ann. She was given exhorter orders and would proudly proclaim her love for God. Loretta had the most precise and beautiful penmanship; her letters flowed as beautifully and freely as her larger-than-life personality. She was married to the love of her life James E Courtland. James was a member of the US Army, and this allowed the family to live in Europe as well as MI, TX and NC. Through this union two beautiful daughters were born. Tana Bailey and Natoshia Courtland, her love for her daughters was that real love, palpable, deep and unmovable they were her greatest treasures on earth. Preceded in death by: Her mother and father, Mary Ann Black and William H Black, her brothers; David and Frederick Black, sisters: Dorosia, Faye, Doris, Denise Black and Arnita Davis and great nephew De' Andre Allan. Grandparents Ralph and Jessie Henderson and Fletcher and Kate Black.
Loretta is survived by her husband, James E Courtland of Athens TN, Daughters, Tana Bailey and Natoshia Courtland of Madisonville. Grandchildren: Ciera Gordon of Colorado, Channing (Samantha) Gordon of Kentucky, Chriah Gordon of Chattanooga TN, Cian, Chaney and Chandler Courtland of Madisonville TN. Great grandchildren: Aidan Penny, Kingston, Kaedyn, Karter, Kain Gordon, Siblings; Darcenia (Dee) Taylor and Danny Black of Madisonville TN. She leaves behind a great host of nieces and nephews, great and great, great nieces and nephews that will miss her. Affectionate names she was given by some of her nieces and nephews was 'Fat Revie, O'retta', Little Retta', but the one name that brings us joy to remember is "HEY RETT".
Special thanks to the Waters of Sweetwater rehabilitation center nursing staff who delivered exceptional nursing care for her the last two years of life and Amedisys Hospice and early on in her care Treasure Lethco, Asia Holmes and Tonya Trotter. Thank you all who knew and loved her!
Homegoing service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th, receiving friends from 12:30 pm until 2 and service directly following at Biereley Hale Funeral Home, 4650 Hwy 411 Madisonville TN 37354. Interment Park City Cemetery Madisonville TN. Arrangements by Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.