She is probably most known for her hospitable personality and her memorable smile. She had the unique ability to obtain details of a stranger’s life within minutes all while making them feel welcome and wanting to share more with her. Rebecca, 78, died after a long battle with cancer on December 29, 2024.
She was born in Magnolia, Mississippi in 1946 to Marion Dewitt and Ida Brunettie Golman. Rebecca had many childhood memories in Magnolia including learning to swim by being thrown in the lake and working in her parent’s grist mill and being surrounded by her large family of brothers and sisters. She leaves behind two sisters, Vickie Hodges and Beatrice Savitts and two brothers, James Lambert and Freddie Lambert. Rebecca is preceded in death by six sisters and one brother.
She married the love of her life, Tony Cooper, at eighteen. She recently celebrated sixty years of wedded bliss with Tony. The two young lovebirds immediately started a family of their own. She enjoyed her role as a mother. She leaves behind her oldest child Annette Walker (James), her youngest child Tonya Scanlon (Pete). Although she loved water skiing, decorating and crafting, her favorite role in life was grandparent and great-grandparent. She leaves behind five grandchildren – Aaron Grantham, Jimmy Walker, Amanda Walker, Tony Scanlon and Alex Scanlon. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren – Elijah Grantham, Bella Harper and Ella Davis. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and was very proud to be “Granny” to the family. She never failed to host Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve so the children could get in bed and be home for Christmas Day.
She recently adopted two fur babies, Sampson and Delilah, that she enjoyed during her last days. She loved feeding them anything that didn’t eat them first.
Rebecca leaves behind many friends and acquaintances. She never met a stranger and was quick to invite others to her home, especially if they didn’t have family close to celebrate with. She was an active member of Relate Church for 16+ years. She influenced many for the kingdom of God and anyone who knew her knew about her love for God, her gratitude for Jesus and her vast knowledge of the word of God.
Yes, Rebecca will always be remembered for her hospitality. As we gather to commemorate her life, we can almost hear her saying, “I’m greatly blessed and highly favored of the Lord. He woke me up this morning and gave me breath to praise Him one more time”. We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandparent, sibling or spouse. Rebecca’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
