Mary B. Cooper

Mary Cooper left us on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. She was married to Raiford Wilson Cooper, Sr. (deceased 1994), and was mother to Raiford Wilson Cooper, Jr. and Jack Glenn Cooper (Tammy). She had two granddaughters, Dr. Alicia Cooper Andrews (Jeff) and Kerrie Beth Mayfield (Zach); and four great grandchildren, Lexi, Emery, Sadie, and Tanner Andrews. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. WR Berry; and siblings, Charlie Berry, Hurtis Berry, and Marvin Berry precede her in death.

Mary spent most of her life either at home (Scout Leader, Church Secretary, and School Mother’s Patrol), or working in the law field at Farris, Warfield & Kanaday for 34 years. She specialized in adoptions, and founded Miriam’s Promise in 1982.

She served on many boards as a Director, including the Adoption Coalition (founder), Serendipity House (1970 founder) which merged with Youth Villages in 1998, and the National Association of Legal Assistants.

She was heavily involved in the United Methodist Church, both local and statewide. This included the Wesley Foundation, TN District Trustees, and Board of Ordained Ministry.

Mary worked with many charities including the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and the 4-H Board.

She was involved with the Tennessee Government as Advisor for the UT/TSU merger, and Human Relations Committee for 19 years before being elected a County Commissioner/Magistrate.

She was Executive Director of Tennessee Feed and Grain Association for many years.

Finally, Mary won several awards for her work: $5,000 for Neighborhood Excellence Initiative; $4,000 for Center for Nonprofit Management as Member of the Year (money from both went to Miriam’s Promise); listed in World’s Who’s Who of America; and Who’s Who in American Law.

A Celebration of Life will be at two o’clock on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Dignity Hall at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from twelve o’clock until the time of service at two o’clock. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to Miriam’s Promise.

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