Kelsey Nicole Cooper

Kelsey Nicole Cooper, 24, went to be with her heavenly father and join her friend, Quentin, on October 28, 2014. She was born November 25, 1989 in Eden, North Carolina. Kelsey was a 2008 graduate of Bassett High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication - Hospitality Tourism Management from VA Tech in 2011.

She was employed on her first day at Eastman Chemical at the time of her death. She most recently worked for Octagon Sports Marketing traveling with NASCAR doing the Sprint Experience. She loved to travel and experience different cities and states, and was so excited she was coming home to live and work. Kelsey was a very loving and giving person and reached so many people of different ages, different ways of life, and basically anyone she met. Many of her friends called her “mama” because she looked after them in times of need and gave them motherly advice wanted or not. Kelsey had a great love for pictures and photography. There was never a missed photo op because she didn’t have some kind of camera with her, and now these photos will be cherished by many for years to come.

Even in death, Kelsey will continue to give others life, as she was an organ donor for her last act of love to help others. A celebration of life service was held at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital on October 28 by the Carolina Donor Services. A flag was raised in her honor and organizers said it was the largest crowd to ever attend one of these ceremonies. Kelsey is and will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends, but her spirit will live with us forever. We are sure she is flashing that beautiful smile now in heaven. Kelsey was a “Daddy’s Girl.” From the minute she was born, she had him wrapped around her finger and heart. Their bond was known by anyone who knew her and will live with Daddy forever! She forged a friendship with her mother that grew stronger every day. Kelsey said in her last will that mom would be the quiet strength that the family and friends will need, and this has been classic Kelsey, 100% correct. She loved her brother and the young man he has become and always had his back, no matter what. Kelsey’s “Nannie” was her biggest fan and she will always be her “Princess.” Kelsey’s “wifey” was her best friend and soul mate. Their bond was like no other and someway, somehow, they will communicate forever.

Kelsey’s nephew, Tyler, taught her so much about life and love and how much a little life can change someone else’s so drastically. Her love for him was unconditional. A little over two years ago, Kelsey became godmother to her sweet Paisley. That little girl became her pride and joy. Kelsey couldn’t even hear her name without flashing that smile that could light up a room. All of Kelsey’s friends and family were what made her short life here so blessed and amazing. Her hope is that there is some part of her that each of you can take with you into the future. She loves you all! Kelsey was preceded in death by her “Poppy” Bob Showalter and her great-grandmother, Ellen “Granny” Cooper, who instilled in her a love for all children. Surviving are her parents, Wayne and Karla Cooper of Collinsville; “broder” Garrett Cooper, Collinsville; grandmother Martha “Nannie” Showalter, Collinsville; grandparents Martin and Nellie Cline of Conway, South Carolina; and Jerry and Trudy Cooper of Henry, Virginia; “wifey” Christina Decker of Danville, Virginia; special nephew, Tyler Cooper of Stanleytown, Virginia; goddaughter Paisley Reynolds, Collinsville; new special niece Makenna Hassell, Roanoke, Virginia and so many other loved aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.

Kelsey’s final wishes were to not have a funeral service. She requested, if we felt it necessary, to have a memorial service on a beach somewhere to spread her remains would be acceptable so she could live out her days there. We will honor her wishes and let everyone know when this will happen. Until then, we will honor her memory with stories, love, pictures, laughter and yes tears. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial, send to Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1081, Collinsville, VA 24078. The Cooper family will receive friends and family at their home. Collins Funeral Home in Bassett is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at: www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.