Joann Cooper

Joann Cooper was born on August 24, 1938, in Delhi, Louisiana, to Joe Bradley and Betsy Lott. She was the oldest of six children, a role she embraced throughout her life with strength, responsibility, and love.

Around 1946, Joann moved to Stockton, California, with her mother and siblings, where she would grow into a bright young woman devoted to learning, family, and faith. She attended Edison High School and later continued her education at the College of the Pacific.

On December 24, 1956, in Stockton, Joann met the love of her life, Alonzo Cooper, Sr. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and service. They were married on April 6, 1957, and soon thereafter made their home in San Diego, California, where they would build a family and a legacy of ministry and community service.

Joann and Alonzo were blessed with two sons, Alonzo Cooper, Jr. and Kerry Vaughn Cooper, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was also a devoted grandmother to her two granddaughters, Marissa Nate Cooper and Alexis Nicole Cooper, whom she loved deeply and supported faithfully.

Joann dedicated over thirty years of professional service as a Special Education Counselor with the San Diego City School District, where she was known for her compassion, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to children and families with special needs.

In 1990, Joann and Alonzo founded and organized the Good Samaritan Outreach Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which began its humble operations on Bates Street in San Diego. Through this ministry, Joann worked tirelessly to serve those in need, offering hope, dignity, and practical assistance to the community.

After five years of successful leadership with Good Samaritan, Joann entered a new season of service. In 1995, when Alonzo Cooper, Sr. became Senior Pastor of the University Avenue Baptist Church, Joann faithfully served for the next twenty-one years as First Lady, standing beside her husband with grace, humility, and unwavering faith. She was a source of encouragement, wisdom, and spiritual strength to the congregation and community.

Joann remained steadfast in her devotion to the Lord Christ Jesus, faithfully serving at University Avenue Baptist Church and Mt. Sinai Baptist Church up to the date of her calling home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Joann Cooper will be remembered for her deep faith, servant’s heart, quiet strength, and enduring love for her family and community. Her life was a testimony of service, compassion, and devotion, and her legacy will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.