Joyce Charlene Singleton Cooper, age 79, of Smyrna, TN, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 30, 2021.
A native of Morgan County, Alabama she was the daughter of the late Jason Luther and Nola Mae Hobson Singleton. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bryant Cooper; brothers Wayne, Ray, Earl, and Ronald and sister Laura; and step-grandson, Brian Staggs.
Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna. Brother Mike Pickford and nephew Ronnie Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy G. Cooper; stepdaughter, Audrey R. Kelley; siblings, Harold Singleton, Stella Pryor, Ruth Patterson, and Betty Bennett; step-grandchildren, Joe (Teresa) Staggs, Amanda (Jonathan) Turrell, Shelly Reder, Jason (Tabitha) Staggs, and Melissa Kelley; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mrs. Cooper was a member of Southside Church of Christ where she faithfully attended since 2012.
Ms. Joyce (called “Joy” by some) lived up to her name. Ms. Joyce was exceptionally thoughtful, sending friends notes, cards, or small gifts. She regularly donated to the food bank and firmly believed in charities for children and veterans. She loved the Beatles, Celtic music, and Southern Gospel. She and her husband, Bob, also enjoyed trips to the lake and gardening. Her best gift was in being a mother as a mother’s influence is never to be underestimated. She got great training when she helped raise her cousin’s rambunctious son, Wade Roberts, while his parents had to work. Later she stayed at home to care for her daughter Amy and focus on her education, a subject dear to her heart. She always attended Amy’s plays, spaghetti supper fundraisers, and musical activities and set the example for being involved. Most importantly, she demonstrated how to persevere despite the challenges. Ms. Joyce’s grace, wisdom, and gentleness will continue to shine through those who knew her best. Her family would like to thank her friends at the Southside Church of Christ, her neighbors at Nancy’s Place, friend Jeremy Sargent who always made time to help, and especially Heike Barrett who “adopted” Ms. Joyce and loved on her like her own mother. She was a rare jewel and will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials in memory of Mrs. Cooper can be made to the American Lung Association or to the American Kidney Foundation.
Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna.
**Mask will be required to attend the visitation and funeral service per request of the family. If needed, masks will be available at the funeral home. **
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