Debra A Cooper

Debra A. Cooper was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Frank J. and Joan O. Cooper on October 12, 1955. Debra graduated from Crispus Attucks High School located in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1974 and went on to attend IUPUI, where she studied Social Work and Human Services and Hair Fashions by Kaye Beauty College, where she graduated with her Licenses in Cosmetology.

Debra worked at St. Vincent Hospital, as a Unit Secretary while attending IUPUI and 12 years at Eli Lilly and Company, in their former Scientific Information Service and was a Mary Kaye Consultant for more than 30 years. However Debra had an entrepreneurial spirit and decided to leave Eli Lilly and Company to open and operate her hair salon, Deb’z Total Salon, which late was renamed Deb’z Hair Salon, until its closing in early 2021.

Debra was very active in her church, community and local politics groups. Debra was a 25-year member of The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. She was the current Grand Lady for St. Peter and Paul Cathedral Court #191, where she held offices as past Financial Secretary and Treasurer. Gracisous Lady Cooper was an active member of the 4th Degree Ladies of Grace, Clara Ann Martin Chapter #39 located in Gary, Indiana. She worked on a few committees in her Chapter, Community Outreach and the Annual Prayer Breakfast. Debra was a former Area Deputy for the State of Indiana, Knight of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary and a recipient of the National Silver of merit award.

Debra served her community as the President of the Lawrence Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Also as a member of the Democrat Club of Lawrence, She worked as Election Poll Clerk and Served as a Democrat Ward Chair for Lawrence, was a former Precinct Committee Person for Washington Township and currently serving as the Democrat Precinct Committee Person for Lawrence, at the time of her passing.

Debra is preceded in death by her son Christopher Beaty, Her Mother, Joan O. Cooper and Her Father, Frank J. Cooper.

She is survived in death by her daughter’s Rhonda Cooper and Tracee Cooper, her sisters, Reverend Victoria Cooper and Francine Roberson and her brother Michael Cooper and his wife, Ardranda Cooper.

Grandchildren, Angelique Cooper, Christian Haley, Ajehla Haley, Clay Haley Jr. and Alaidren Haley and great grandchildren: Jurnee Cooper, Kairo Cooper-Johnson, Faith Cooper, Kensley McCurry, Azoria Haley, Jeremiah Haley, Noella Haley, Deshawn Haley and much loved nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

The Cooper family wishes to extend our sincerest thank you and love to our extended family, friends, and loved ones who have prayed with us, listened and provided support during this time of grief and sorrow.