Lake City, SC

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Annie Ruth Foster Cooper, daughter of Clarice Pearson Foster and the late Willie James Foster was born March 1, 1964 in Manning, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by four brothers: James Foster, Richard Foster, Thomas Lee and Baby Boy Foster and two sisters, Lillie Ree Burgess and Alberta Foster and one niece, Annie Ree McGill.

She received her education in the public school system of Clarendon County School District 3 and graduated from East Clarendon High School, Turbeville, SC. She continued her education and obtained her CNA License.

In her youth, Annie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and joined Oak Grove AME Church, Olanta, SC. During her tenure, she served as President of the Usher Board, President of the Children’s Choir (DW), Pastor’s Aide, Missionary Board and a member of Voices of Inspiration. In the community, she served as a member of Carrie and the Believer’s Quartet, NAACP, Easter Star Oakland Chapter 390 and Essie F. Harllee Assembly No. 5 Order of the Golden Circle.

Annie was a distinguished member of the community that wore many hats and wore them well. She worked for the Stitching Post in Olanta, South Carolina, Hebron Sewing Factory in Cades, SC, Lean On Me in Manning, SC and Lake City- Scranton Nursing Facility in Scranton, SC until her health declined.

She was the epitome of strength, hope and love and well known for fashion, dancing and singing.

She was joined in holy matrimony to William A. Cooper and this union was blessed with seven children; Two daughters, Ikia R. McKnight and LaQuanda M. Cooper, preceded her in death.

On Friday, April 24, 2020, God, who is the Maker and Creator of all creation, whispered softly to Annie Ruth Foster Cooper, “Come unto Me and take your rest”, at McLeod Hospice House, Florence, South Carolina.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 33 years, William A. Cooper; her mother, Clarice P. Foster; four daughters: I-Shaunda Cooper, Annie (Larry) Fleming, LaWanda (Jerry) Rouse and Charlene (Derrick) Cooper; one son, Alexander Cooper; a godson, Jeff (Victoria) Flowers; ten grandchildren, Jarvis, Tionna, Chydera, Calvin, Jr., Leroy, Kamryn, Amiyah, Alana, Aaliyah and Ayden; three sisters, Dorothy (Tommie) Burgess, Sarah Burgess, Mary Dixon; one niece reared as a sister, Vonetta (Eugene) Williams; mother-in-law, Pearl E. Harrison; father-in-law, Robert (Eleanor) Epps; ten sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; three aunts, Bonnie Furman, Martha Jane McFadden and Earlene Moore; two special friends, Lorraine Pendergrass and Deloris Brand; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friend who admired and loved her.

A memorial service for Mrs. Cooper will be held 6:00 PM Tuesday April 28, 2020 at her residence. Grave side services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Old McFadden Cemetery, St. James Road, Lake City, SC. Rev. Oliver Davis, Officiating.

The family is receiving friends at her residence, 2255 St. James Road, Lake City, SC.