JoAnne Cooper

She participated in Marching Band, and various business clubs while growing up. JoAnne always felt that growing up with three brothers "toughened" her. She received her formal education first at Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and then at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa where she met her future husband, Ray. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority.

JoAnne Atkinson was united in holy matrimony with Raymond Cooper on August 14th, 1965 in Des Moines, Iowa. They were blessed with two daughters.

She was employed by multiple school systems in Iowa, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Alabama as a Business Education teacher. Her last teaching position was in Birmingham, AL at John Carroll High School. JoAnne officially retired from teaching in 1988 when she and Ray moved to Terrace Bay, Ontario, Canada for Ray’s job. JoAnne always embraced the moving part of Ray’s job with enthusiasm.

After retirement, JoAnne enjoyed golfing and crafting. Her favorite craft was glass work. JoAnne created beautiful lamps, frames, pictures, ornaments, and many other items. JoAnne also helped to create and install replacement windows for a church in Waco, TX. Another favorite pastime for JoAnne was getting her nails done. She loved getting her nails done in beautiful, bright colors. But, most of all, JoAnne loved spending time with her family. She approached everyone with a smile and never met a stranger. She was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all she cherished so dearly.

JoAnne Cooper is preceded in death by her husband, Ray, and her parents, Harold and Helen Atkinson. She leaves to cherish her memory two loving children, Eileen Marie Kowalski and DiDi McMeans (Shane) Traffanstedt; grandchildren, William Cooper McMeans, Jarrett Walker McMeans, Ava Kathleen Kowalski, Kyle Raymond Kowalski, and Logan Brent Kowalski; brothers Ken (Alice) Atkinson, Joe (Irene) Atkinson, and Steve (Sandy) Atkinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A graveside service will be held for Mrs.Cooper on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at Southern Heritage Cemetery. Immediately following the service, a visitation will be held in the Southern Heritage Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending a memorial donation to your preferred charity of choice.