Florence Cooper

      In the song of life, Florence Cooper was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Florence preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Florence believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Florence perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

       Her parents were Floyd and Floree Scatts. Florence was born and raised in Gaffney, South Carolina. As a young child, Florence was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Florence rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Florence showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with one sibling. She had a brother, Lenord Scatts. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      Early on in her school years, Florence showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Florence with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be “lost in a book” well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. That was shown in her love of spelling bees.

      Those who didn’t know Florence well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Florence was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Florence’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, one of her best friends was Colleen.

      A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Florence had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

      Florence was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her child. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Florence was blessed with one child, Annette. She was also blessed with two grandchildren, Jonathan and Dina.

      Florence found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was Quality Control. She was employed for 26 years. Florence tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Florence enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were enjoying a day at the casino with Annette, to play the slots and have lunch. Florence was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Florence liked sports. Florence was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Nascar and football.

      Throughout her life, Florence was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. In high school, Florence was a member of the Spelling Bee group. She had a tendency to bring peace to her relationships by avoiding disagreements.

      Because she loved the world around her, Florence enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Florence put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included meeting her daughter and granddaughter in Las Vegas for Mother's Day, 2001.

      Florence was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Florence had several dogs and cats in her life. Her last pet, Booty's, passed just a few months ago.

      When Florence’s retirement finally arrived in 1983, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Lakewood with her daughter and grandkids. In retirement, she found new pleasure in spending the day at the casino with her daughter. Even in retirement, Florence continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of her life, she became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her and simply enjoying what she had worked so hard to attain.

      Florence passed away on April 26, 2009 at Woodruff Convalescent Home. Florence fought a brave battle with cancer. She is survived by her daughter Annette, granddaughter Dina, grandson Jonathan, great granddaughter Hallie, son-in-law Gary, and brother Lenard. Services will be held at Whites Funeral Home. Florence will be laid to rest in Gaffney, South Carolina next to her husband, Dean.

      Florence was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Florence always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Florence was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Florence Cooper.