Annie E. Cooper

After a long and happy life, Annie Elizabeth Cooper, of Silver Spring, MD, passed away peacefully at home just weeks past her 98th birthday.

Annie was born in Waterford, VA. She moved to Washington, DC, as a teen. In 1956, she married her husband of nearly 60 years, the late William H Cooper. “Herbert” and Annie, together with, Michael—her son from a previous marriage—and their daughter, Pamela, lived in the District until they moved to Maryland in 1969.

Annie had an accomplished career in the federal government that spanned 40 years. Starting as a clerk typist and retiring as an analyst in the Applied Mathematics Laboratory at the US Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annie was a pioneer in computer programming.

She joyfully retired at age 55, and filled her days doing needlepoint, collecting antiques, taking piano lessons, and going to Atlantic City. Annie’s “happy place” was her garden overflowing with roses and azaleas. The birth of her grandson marked the start of some of Annie’s happiest times. Being “Amma” to Jason was a gift that filled her with pride and joy. In later years, she devoted herself to caring for her husband as he battled Parkinson’s disease.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram Minor and Edna Clay; husband, William Cooper; son, Michael Shell (Linda); sister, Helen Johnson; brother, Douglas Minor (Geneva); and many family members and friends.

Her loss is deeply felt by her daughter, Pamela Hester, who can’t imagine a world without her mom; son-in-law, Selvyn John Hester, who was Annie’s knight in shining armor; and grandson, Jason Boyer, who was Annie’s beating heart walking around outside her body. She will be missed by all who survive her—family, friends, neighbors, and her faithful cat, Angel.

In her later years, Annie faced the obstacles that came with dementia with grace and resilience. She never stopped being the “tough cookie” she had been all her life. A special thank you to Patricia (Pat) Ibeawuchi—Annie’s fiercely loyal and protective caretaker/honorary granddaughter—who filled the last 5 years of Annie’s life with song, dance, laughter, and unconditional love.

We are so grateful to have had Annie in our lives for so long. Now, our hearts are glad she is free, and reunited with the Angels who have been waiting patiently for her.