Emily Maria Cooper Kilgore, 75, passed away on March 29, 2026, with her daughters by her side. Born May 5, 1950, in Wetumpka, AL, Emily was the second oldest of six children. As a big sister, she developed the most genuine, nurturing spirit—steadfast throughout her life—and she carried that caring heart into every season that followed.
In high school, Emily was a majorette and played the clarinet. She enjoyed music, old movies, and a love of history and literature. Emily majored in English at Livingston University, and later went on to obtain her teaching certificate from St. Bernard (Cullman, AL).
Emily was a most devout Catholic, strong in faith. She was an active member at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church (Jasper, AL) where she raised her daughters, then the Cathedral of St. Paul (Birmingham). She is a retiree from the Catholic Center of Concern. Emily would say her greatest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, and she found the most joy when spending time with family—“Grandmother” was her favorite title.
Emily was preceded in death by parents, Mary Frances and Daniel Webster Cooper; sister, Martha Tucker; and brother, Thomas Cooper.
She is survived by daughters, Stephanie Hudson (Chris) and Jamie Kilgore Foust (Vince); sister, Kathy Bellenger (David); brothers, Philip Cooper and Danny Cooper (Cynthia); and grandchildren, Frances Hudson, Oliver Foust, and Amelia Foust.
Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, on April 2, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A graveside service will be held at Mesopotamia Cemetery, Eutaw, Alabama 35462, on April 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
Pallbearers will be Vince Foust, Oliver Foust, Chris Hudson, Web Bellenger, A.J. Bostain, and Jake Gipson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 732, Eutaw, Alabama 35462, US.
