Joan Elaine Cooper

Born in the South Side of Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1944 to Velma Martin Mays, Joan was

the fourth of five children.

Always a scholar, Joan graduated from high school early and earned a BS in Education from

Chicago Teachers College at the age of 20. While in college, she pledged her beloved sorority,

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. After graduating from college, Joan began teaching

math in Chicago Public Schools. Her teaching career eventually spanned over 40 years.

On July 17, 1965, Joan married her childhood sweetheart Raphael (Ray) Gonzales Cooper. In

1971, the couple welcomed their son Jeff, and in 1974, their daughter Roshaunda. The family

relocated from Chicago to Willingboro, New Jersey in 1976, and in 1984, they moved to

Edmond, Oklahoma.

Joan loved being active in both mind and body and described life as a “mathematical dance.”

An accomplished modern dancer, Joan danced with the Jewel McLaurin Dancers. She also

enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, roller skating, tennis, and bowling.

She bowled competitively in several leagues for many years and in the process developed some

of her closest friendships. Joan was also a world-class seamstress. She sewed clothes for

herself, family, and friends, ensuring everyone was not only in style but also had a perfectly

tailored fit.

Devoted to serving not just her family and friends but also her community, Joan volunteered

and worked with numerous organizations over the years including the Girl Scouts and Planned

Parenthood. She also served as a deaconess at Wildewood Christian Church in Oklahoma City,

OK, where she became a member in 1988.

Another area of ongoing devotion for Joan was Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In

1976, Joan was a charter member of the Rancocas Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma

Theta. She was also a member of the Oklahoma Sooner City Alumnae Chapter.

At her core, Joan was a teacher. She taught for 23 years in the Putnam City School District in

Oklahoma City, OK. In addition to teaching high school math, Joan began a step team at Putnam

City High School and coached the team, the Putnam City Groundbreakers, for many years.

Students, faculty, and staff at Putnam City High School remember Joan for her enthusiasm,

charisma, compassion, generosity, and no-nonsense approach. These traits characterized not

only how Joan taught and coached, but also how she lived.

Joan taught math and step, but she also taught life lessons. She spread wisdom, light, and love

through her kindness and generosity, through her sharp wit and sense of humor, and through

her dedication to God and sharing the gospel. Joan often said that teaching math and coaching

step were the ways God gave her to spread His love. And spread it she did.

Joan is survived by her husband Ray Cooper; her children Jeff Cooper and Roshaunda Cade

(Christopher); her grandchildren, Jordan Cooper, Tiffany Cooper, Kimmeran Cade, and Keteyian

Cade; her siblings, Ruth Threat, Ernest Martin, and Janice Horton-Rogers.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Velma Martin Mays; and her sister, Gloria Redmond.

Joan will be remembered by myriad friends and loved ones for her enduring legacy of faith and

love.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you make a donation to Joan E. Cooper Cancer Caregiver and Patient Education Center.

A visitation for Joan will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 13313 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 10, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Wildewood Christian Church, 6900 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Cooper family.

The family has shared a commemorative video, if you would like to have the opportunity to watch the video, click the link ahead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsMgoUhRP7Y