Esther "Ruth" Cooper, 83, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday, Auguar 11, 2020, at the Chattanooga Hospice Care. She was a charter member of the Old Pathway Baptist Church, and also the piano player for 50 years. She loved going to church to worship the Lord.
She was a graduate of Bradley Central High School class of '54 and Cleveland State Community College. She was employed with Bradley Memorial Hospital for many years, and self employed as a medical transcriptionist for 20 years, before retiring at the age of 70.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clearance and Esther Hampton; two brothers, David and Donnie Hampton; and two sisters, Irene Stuman and Jean Kenard.
She is survived by her life-long, loving husband of 65 years, Dr. Harold Cooper; four children, Victoria (Bobby) Pritchard, Donna (Curtis) Clayton, Ray (Cheryle) Cooper and Gerald (Maryland) Cooper; sister, Grace Mayo; brother, Wayne (Alma) Hampton; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Her Life will be on Thursday, Aug. 13 at the Old Pathway Baptist Church on Rymer Road in Cleveland. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m., with the funeral to follow at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Marty Few officiating.
Pallbearers are Bob Pritchard, Jeremiah Pritchard, Curt Clayton, Trey Cooper, David Waters, Phillip Smith, Robert Pritchard and Major Waters. Honorary pallbearers are Logan Clayton, Carter Clayton, Collyn Smith and Dallion Keith,
She will be interred at the Lee Commentary in McDonald.