Martha Luann Russell Cooper

Martha Luann Russell Cooper, age 68, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2013, following a lengthy battle with severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Luann was born on November 8, 1944, in Tallahassee, Florida. She was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Sara Georgia Russell. She attended Caroline Brevard Elementary School, Cobb Middle School and graduated from Leon High School in 1962. She earned a degree from Florida State University in Social Welfare and Elementary Education in 1966. She began her teaching career in Atlanta, Georgia, subsequently returning to Florida to continue teaching. She married Donald Ray Cooper on August 1, 1970. Following two additional years teaching, she became a homemaker and stay-at-home mom to care for her two children. She returned to substitute teaching as well as working at the Department of Children and Families where she retired in November, 2006 as an abuse registry counselor.

Luann was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Tallahassee and was active for many years in various capacities until she became unable to serve. She was surrounded by many loving friends, family members and acquaintances. She loved pets and would never turn away any homeless cat or dog that came around. Luann was devoted to her family.

She is survived by her loving husband of forty two years, Don Cooper; a daughter, Alison Harrell and son-in-law, Zane Harrell, of Tallahassee, FL; a son, Aaron Cooper and daughter-in-law, Nicole Cooper, of Jacksonville, FL; and three grandchildren, Cooper Harrell, Cassidy Harrell and Luke Cooper.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, February 21, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 2351 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to Leon County Community Animal Service Center, 1125 Easterwood Drive, Tallahassee, FL or Immanuel Baptist Church 20/20 Vision.

Please sign the guest book at www.culleysmeadowwood.com.