October 9, 1936 ~ December 1, 2020 (age 84)
Obituary
Octavia Jones Cooper was born October 9, 1936 to the late Alice and Joseph Jones in Springfield, Louisiana. She was the fifth born of five siblings. Octavia completed elementary, middle, and high school in Springfield, Louisiana. Upon graduation from high school in 1954, she attended Southern University A & M College. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in English and Social Studies in 1959. She continued her education at Southern University and earned a Masters in Elementary Education in 1962.
Octavia Cooper was married to Mike Cooper in 1960 and five children were born to this union: Lucretia Cooper, Edwin Cooper (Brenda), Ozita Cooper, Aaron Cooper, and Pamela Brown (Darrell).
Her grandchildren: Andrea Haynes, Paige Watts, Gary Watts, Kendra Nesbit, Shawn Nesbit, Miles Cooper, Nia Brown, Joshua Brown, Keenan Cooper, and Chase Cooper
Her great-grandchildren: Garyn Watts, Malachi Nesbit, Sadie Nesbit, and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus children that she loved dearly.
Preceding her in death: Joseph Jones Sr. (father), Alice Jones (mother), Henry Jones (brother), Joseph Jones Jr. (brother), Clora Jones (sister), Hazel Jones (sister)
Surviving sibling: Howard Jones (brother)
Octavia’s religious affiliations included Greater Bethlehem Baptist Springfield, LA), Northside Baptist Church, Kennett, MO, and Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church, Hayti, MO. She served in and on various committees and organizations including church pianist, choir member, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Assistant Superintendent, Girls Auxiliary in Missionary Department, Baptist Training Union, and Vacation Bible School Director.
She was a member of the Central Star Chapter and its first matron. Octavia was also a member of Blanche B. Hill Court, Heroines of Jericho, Prince Hall affiliation, Missouri’s and Jurisdiction. She held a membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., of the Hayti Alumnae Chapter.
Octavia worked with Lincoln University Kids’ Beat several years. Additionally, she was the Education Director for Boys & Girls Club of the Bootheel serving five counties. Organized and implemented a Tutorial program, under direction of Helping Hand Ministry, Hayti, MO.
Octavia’s Philosophy: Give the best I can when I can while I can with the Holy Spirit as my guide.
The Cooper Family would like to thank everyone for all your prayers and support during our bereavement. God bless you.
Services
PUBLIC VISITATION
Friday
December 4, 2020
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Carter Funeral Home
1401 Franklin Ave
Caruthersville, MO 63830
PRIVATE VISITATION
Saturday
December 5, 2020
10:00 AM
Carter Funeral Home
1401 Franklin Ave
Caruthersville, MO 63830