Elizabeth "Libby" Cooper

Elizabeth Battles Cooper, fondly known as “Libby” passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. She was born on September 23, 1936 in Cuero, Texas to the late William “Buck” Battles and Mattie B. Campbell. She accepted Christ at an early age, was a faithful member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church and was very active in various church functions in surrounding communities in Dewitt County.

She completed her formal education and graduated from Daule High School in 1954. Libby attended Victoria Community College where she was one of only four black students who attended the college the first year it became an integrated campus.

On October 3, 1955 Elizabeth was joined in holy matrimony to Bernie William Cooper in Pomona, California. To this union their three children (Jocelyn, Ronald, and Rose) were born in Texas. The family moved to California and after living there for several years, Elizabeth got homesick and the family settled in the La Marque/Texas City area. She and the family were members of First Baptist Church in Texas City. Libby was employed at Mainland Center Hospital in the late sixties and early seventies and later played a fundamental role in getting the Head Start Program started in Galveston County. She worked at Texas Southern University briefly and later became employed at Gulf Coast Center as an Office Manager and Safety Officer where she worked until her retirement. She enjoyed arts and crafts, was an avid reader and most of all loved her family dearly.

Libby is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Rose, two half-sisters Delores Smith and Mazie Haskins. Leaves to cherish her memories are her husband Bernie to whom she was married to for sixty one years; children Wayne Cooper, Jocelyn Wright (Johnny), Ronald Cooper (Debra), devoted cousin, Francine Love whom Libby loved as her very own. Grandchildren, Destiny Cooper, Quienetta Cooper, Joe Taylor III, Valincia Cooper, Deidre Clarke and Nicolus Cooper. Five great-granddaughters, Ariana, Camaria, Eriya, Nyla, Mia and one great-grandson, Cole Cooper. Brother In-laws, Leon Brookens (Annette), James Cooper (Judy) and Allan Wayne Cooper (Kim). Sister In-laws, Naomi Miller, Clara Cooper and Ernestine Washington and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. The family would like to give thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of Mainland Center Hospital for taking such great care of Libby and a very special thanks to Dr. Stonum.

The memorial service will be held at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.