Virginia Mae Cooper

Ginny was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who will be remembered for her intelligence, compassion, vivacity and wit. Born in the Appalachian town of Flatwoods, Kentucky, and one of five children of Morton and Minnie (McDavid) Hylton, Ginny was a self-made woman.

She worked her way through school, earning a Bachelor's degree from Berea College, in Berea Kentucky, and a Masters degree in Chemistry from the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, Wyoming.

While working for the Bureau of Mines in Laramie, she met and married the love of her life, Taliaferro Cooper.

Ginny spent the first years of her marriage in Williston, North Dakota, but relocated to San Antonio, Texas in 1954, where she raised her family and remained the rest of her life.

Ginny was an energetic and dedicated supporter of many civic and charitable causes, including the Salvation Army, League of Women Voters, History Club and the Battle of Flowers Association. She was a driving force and founding member of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, one of the first citizen groups organized in San Antonio to advocate for neighborhood zoning enforcement and protection.

In addition to her volunteer activities, Ginny enjoyed duplicate bridge, which she played with formidable skill, travel, studying wildflowers and history, and entertaining at home and in the country with her gourmet cooking and gracious hospitality.

What Ginny treasured most was her family.

In addition to Taliaferro, her devoted husband of 59 years, Ginny is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Dan O'Connor of San Antonio, Texas, and Kathy and Randy Lake of Houston, Texas; her grandsons Ryan O'Connor of Los Angeles, California, Michael O'Connor of Houston, Texas and Ethan Lake of Austin, Texas; as well as several extended family members and friends.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Emeritus Oakwell Farms, Ginny's home for the last years of her life, and VITAS Hospice for their compassionate care.

The family is especially grateful to Jackie Williams, her devoted caregiver, who provided so much love, laughter and comfort in Ginny's last years.

A private family service is planned.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea KY 40404, the Salvation Army, P. O. Box 12568, San Antonio, TX 78202, the Battle of Flowers Association,12 Scarborough Sq., San Antonio, TX 78209, or the charity of one's choice.