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FANCY PASTRY SHOP
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| Mary Kathryn Cooper September 27, 1936 - August 19, 2023 |
Mary Kathryn Keasler Cooper died on August 19, 2023 at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville, NC.
Mary Kathryn was born the only child of John Jabez Keasler and Kathryn Smith Keasler on September 27, 1936 in Marianna, Arkansas. She lived her childhood on the same street as her grandparents and experienced the love of a large extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles in the Delta area.
She graduated from T.A. Futrell High School in 1954 and obtained a associates degree from Miller-Hawkins Business School in Memphis, TN in 1955. In the fall of 1955, she was set up on a blind date by a mutual family friend where she would meet her future husband, Gary Stanley Cooper of Hickory Ridge, Arkansas.
They eloped 6 months later on January 9, 1956 to Amory, Mississippi. They lived in Newport, Arkansas where Gary was a chemistry teacher at Newport High School. Gary loved teaching so much that he named his firstborn after a favorite student, Genindle. In 1958, the three of them set on a new adventure as Gary began pharmacy school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.
Upon graduation, Gary accepted a position with Rexall Drugstore in Rutherfordton, NC and moved with their young family and new daughter, Ann. In 1962, they relocated to Lexington where their youngest child would be born soon after, Gary, Jr. They lived in Lexington the remainder of their lives but their ties to Arkansas were always strong. Family trips were made each summer and wonderful memories were made despite the 14-hour drive with limited stops.With no other family east of the Mississippi, Mary Kathryn created her own through her friendships with the late Grace Baker, Joan Musgrave, and Beverly Van Roekel. She loved them as sisters and they were wonderfully present during both happy and tough times.
Mary Kathryn was a substitute teacher for many years in the Lexington City School system. She was a member of First Methodist church where she served on the altar guild and bereavement committees. She also served as a driver for Meal on Wheels.
Mary Kathryn is survived by her three children: daughter, Genindle Cooper Case and husband, James Arthur Case, daughter, Ann Cooper Thomas and husband, James Walter Thomas, and son, Gary Stanley Cooper, Jr. and three grandchildren. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews in her home state and especially her sister-in-law, Ruby Cooper, who she spoke with by phone nearly every day.
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Mary Kathryn was the mother to many fur babies during her lifetime but none more precious than her Manchester Terrier, Bailey. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Davidson County Humane Society and Thrifty Paws for re-homing Bailey to a wonderful family where he is living his best life.
The family would also like to thank Mary Kathryn’s many caregivers and particularly the following: Ethel Kennedy, Dorina Thompson, Terry Butler, and Eve Trevino for the loving and respectful care they provided during her illness. We are truly blessed to know you and have you as part of her care team.
At Mary Kathryn’s request, there will be a private burial ceremony at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Davidson County Humane Society, 1114 Piedmont Dr, Lexington, NC 27295.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary Kathryn Cooper, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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