Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte Cooper, 83, died peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Charlotte was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 27, 1925, the oldest child of Herschel H. and Nella V. Cooper. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, where she was a proud member of the Lassos spirit organization, and later, the Lassos Alumni Organization. She received an associate degree from Gulf Park Junior College, in Gulfport, Mississippi, attended the University of Texas at Austin, and graduated with a degree in medical technology from North Texas State WomenaÌ‚â‚â„¢s College . She moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast shortly after her graduation, and was an owner-operator for many years of the Cooper-Surginer Laboratory in Gulfport, until her retirement. She was a member of the Texas Exes alumni organization, a trustee of Southern Mississippi University, and an active supporter of numerous other non-profit organizations.
Charlotte was a kind and loyal friend to a broad circle of people spanning several decades and at least three continents. She particularly enjoyed world travel, and entertaining friends and family with barbecue or shrimp boils under the magnificent oaks at her beloved home, Oaklawn. She was also an avidaÌ‚â‚""and incredibly luckyaÌ‚â‚""video poker and black jack player. She was a doting aunt and great-aunt.
Charlotte maintained her sunny and generous disposition until the end, notwithstanding her debilitating final illness, and the ravishes of Hurricane Katrina, whose destruction required her at age 80 to face the task of rebuilding her home and life of almost 60 years. She was rightfully proud that she succeeded in moving back into her restored home prior to her death.
Charlotte was predeceased by her parents and her dear friend and companion for over fifty years, Margaret Erwin. She is survived by her brother Taliaferro Cooper and wife, Virginia; by her nieces Cynthia OaÌ‚â‚â„¢Connor and husband Dan, and Kathy Lake and husband Randy; by her great nephews, Ryan and Michael OaÌ‚â‚â„¢Connor, and Ethan Lake; as well as by several cousins and many valued friends, all of whom cherish her memory.
The family particularly wishes to thank CharlotteaÌ‚â‚â„¢s long-time friends, Mary Hedrick and Manuella Robinson, as well as many others too numerous to mention, who provided Charlotte with so much support and assistance during the final months of her illness.
A graveside service celebrating CharlotteaÌ‚â‚â„¢s life will be held at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in CharlotteaÌ‚â‚â„¢s memory to Gulf Park College for Women Endowed Scholarship (fund #1682), University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, 118 College Drive #10026, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, or their charity of choice. Of Charlotte, it can truly be said that she reaped what she sowed in love, compassion, kindness and generosity.
Arrangements by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi. The online guest book may be viewed and signed at www.riemannfamily.com.