Mrs. Janie Cooper

Obituary For Mrs. Janie Cooper

Spartanburg, SC - Mrs. Janie B. Cooper transitioned peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Janie B., as she was affectionately called, was the daughter of the late Archie Goodwin and Beatrice Littlejohn Goodwin. She was the loving wife of the late Anderson Cooper. Janie B. graduated from Carver High School, Class of 1950, the first graduating class. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in English and History from A & T University in Greensboro, NC where she later earned her Master’s in English and Secondary education. In 1954, Janie began her illustrious career as an educator, teaching English at Benjamin E. Mayes High School in Pacolet, SC., and then joining the faculty at Carver High School in Spartanburg, SC. In 1970 when schools where integrating, she became the first black guidance counselor at Evans Junior High School and later became an assistant principal at McCracken Junior High School. After thirty-two fruitful years in education, Janie B. retired in 1986, not to sit idly, but to pursue her passion for crocheting and as connoisseur of yard sale treasures. Janie B. was a member of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, Church Women United and United Methodist Women, of which she served as a president. In addition to her church affiliation, she was a Golden Soror and Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., having served as president of the local chapter, Epsilon Beta Omega. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lovell Goodwin Foster. Mrs. Cooper leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Tawana Booker (Steve); her granddaughter, Christina Booker; her brother, Lenard “Sonny” Goodwin (Sara); her special niece who was dear to her, Monica “Mikki” Hunter; her sisters-in-law, Mary Singletary and Mary Frances Bradshaw; a host of nieces and nephews; her devoted caregivers: her sister-in-law, Sara Goodwin, Gertrude Campbell and Ollie McNeil; her professional caregivers at Rosecrest; and a host of other relatives and friends. Janie B. was a gentle lady whose smile and spirit will always remain in the hearts of everyone who knew her. A Celebration of the Life of Janie B. Cooper will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, 778 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg, SC. The Reverend Jerry Louis Gadsden will officiate. Interment will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, 3901 S. Church St., Roebuck, SC. Mrs. Cooper will lie in state at church from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service. Final rites, The Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony, for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Bethlehem Center, 397 Highland Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29306; to the Spartanburg County Foundation for The Ruby Hawkins West Memorial Scholarship Fund, 424 E. Kennedy St, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or to Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, 778 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29306.

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