Carol E. Cooper

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many passed away after a brief illness on December 19, 2014, surrounded by adoring family and friends who will miss her greatly.

Carol was born on March 1, 1931, in Meridian, Mississippi. At age seven, her family moved to their country property known as “The Meadows” in Fletcher, North Carolina, from where she attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines Academy for her elementary and high school education. After attending Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. for two years, Carol married the love of her life, 2nd Lt. Charles G. Cooper, USMC, of Clarksdale, Miss., at the US Naval Academy Chapel. Together they devoted 35 wonderful years of service in their beloved US Marine Corps. After a most distinguished career, Lt. Gen. Cooper retired in 1985 as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, where Carol was affectionately known by many as “the Pearl of the Pacific”; referring to her genuine elegance and beautifully kind nature.

Retiring in Falls Church, Va., Carol and Charlie loved traveling far and wide, cherishing time with friends and family, and devotedly nurturing their grandchildren throughout their many endeavors. Carol especially enjoyed her time with friends on the tennis courts of Army Navy Country Club, and was grateful for the close friendships she held with her kind neighbors.

Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charlie. She is survived by her two dear sisters, Genie Fayssoux of Greensboro, North Carolina and Susan Boles (Dick) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; her children, Captain Charles G. “Chip” Cooper III, USN, Ret (Carla), Linda Cooper Thompson (Steve); former daughter-in-law Maria Cooper; seven grandchildren, Carlos Cooper (Katie), Craig Thompson (Stacy), Erik Cooper (Tracy), Trevor Thompson (Kadie), Courtney Thompson, Danny Cooper (Katherine), Andy Cooper (Daniela), and eight great-grandchildren.

Beautiful, elegant, kind, and loving, Carol was a genuine friend to all. She was the heart, soul, and essence of our family, and we are forever grateful for her love and for the generosity, dedication and strength that she instilled in all of us. We miss you G’ma, but love that you are with G’pa once again!

Services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carol’s name to either the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (semperfifund.org) or Children’s Therapy Center (ctckids.org/make-a-difference).