Elizabeth Fortune

Elizabeth Fortune, a gifted communicator and fierce advocate for others, died Thursday, Feb. 6, at the age of 49. She will be remembered for infusing passion and empathy in everything she was called to do, especially in her achievements as a survivor of lymphoma and kidney disease.

The recipient of a life-extending bone marrow transplant, Elizabeth shared with friends in December that she had just celebrated her “11th birthday” on the 11th anniversary of a stranger’s selfless act. Amanda Drew, who grew to be a dear friend, granted everyone who loved Elizabeth more than a decade to cherish her laughter, quick wit and curiosity.

 Elizabeth used that time to advocate for others with cancer and chronic illness. She and husband Griffin Coop created a non-profit that funded trips for people fighting cancer to relax and share treasured memories with their caregivers. They hosted a popular fundraiser, “The Little Rock Paper Airplane Championship,” drawing students and competitors from across Arkansas to benefit families navigating cancer. 

The daughter of Darrell Fortune and the late Kola Clements Fortune, Elizabeth grew up in Fort Smith. She was also preceded in death by grandparents Buck and Irene Clements. She is survived by her brother, Mark, sister-in-law Shay, beloved niece Annie and dear nephew Clem, her uncle, Dan Clements, as well as Griffin. They were her world.

Elizabeth grew up in the Episopal church and was passionate about volunteering as minister of media at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.The congregation helped sustain her faith during her life in Little Rock and travel to Houston for treatment and transplant.

Elizabeth hoped her experience with lymphoma could improve the lives of others who faced similar battles. She amplified efforts to register bone marrow donors, promoted blood drives and advocated for the Living Donor Protection Act, federal legislation prohibiting discrimination against living organ donors. She also spoke out in favor of other legislation including the Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act and in favor of the Affordable Care Act’s protections for pre-existing conditions.

"Kidney disease doesn’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative,” Elizabeth wrote in a column for the Arkansas Times. "It’s one of the least partisan issues facing Congress."Elizabeth bravely shared her story in a congressional campaign ad that aired widely throughout the Little Rock area during the 2018 election.

 A fervent Oklahoma State Cowboys fan, Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in Stillwater, one of her favorite places on Earth. She also earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

Elizabeth’s graceful communication skills helped shape stories for organizations including the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. 

She loved college football rivalries, texting her friends about the latest in TV and favorite books as well as cooking for others. She was a proud Parrothead who appreciated every Jimmy Buffet song, but her favorite was "Tin Cup Chalice."

In the years since her transplant, Elizabeth navigated pulmonary and kidney complications, and Griffin dedicated his world to improving hers. They married in 2006 in Key West, vowing to be unwavering in their support of each other through all the joys and sorrows of the years to come.

The Fortune and Coop family is grateful to the physicians, nurses and therapists who have cared for Elizabeth. 

A memorial service will be held for Elizabeth at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 20900 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. A committal ceremony will be held for the family at a separate time. The Fortune and Coop families encourage others to register to be bone marrow donors through bethmatch. Donations can also be made to bethematch and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.