Joyce Marie Thompson Cooper

Joyce Marie Thompson Cooper departed this Earth for her heavenly reward on February 21, 2007.

Joyce was a wonderful, caring, loving person who was a true friend to all who knew her. She gave of herself in so many ways, offering help and compassion to all she touched.

She was quick to offer congratulations to those she knew who reached milestones in their lives, help and condolence to those in need, or a kind word and a quick smile to all she came in contact with.

Joyce was a humble lady that spoke little of her many personal and professional accomplishments, though they were many. She was an educated, well read lady who received her formal education at Bob Jones University and East Tennessee State University, achieving a Bachalor of Science Degree, and a Master of Art Degree in elementary education. She followed her education with 26 years of service within the Kingsport City School System. During her tenure, she touched countless lives of young people through her talents, compassion, and genuine love of her profession. She was named Kingsport teacher of the year in 1972 and received an outstanding educator award for the state of Tennessee in 1986. She was active in many professional and civic organizations including Kingsport Education Association, ETEA, TEA, NEA, Phi Kappa Phi, and the West Kingsport Opti-Mrs, and the Kingsport Retired Teachers Association.

While her profession was important in her life, she found balance in her love for her family, her church, and a circle of loving friends. She spent her retirement years deeply involved in activities and work at First Baptist Church, traveling the globe with friends and being the go to person for our family. This lady will never be forgotten by anyone she touched. She was Mrs. Cooper to former students, Joyce to her friends, Mama to her immediate family and Nana to the grandkids she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Omer C. Thompson and Sammie Biggs Thompson; her husband, James S. Cooper; and a brother, Edwin Thompson.

She leaves behind a circle of family and friends who will miss her dearly, but will also cherish the memories we made together. She is survived by a son, Fred Cooper, and his wife Betsy and their daughters, Annie and Abbie; a daughter, Susan Lane, and her husband, David and their children, Justin and Julie. She also leaves behind a group of extremely close sisters and a brother ? Mary Catherine Estep of Newland, NC, Shirley Morgan of Roan Mountain, TN, Pat Julian of Roan Mountain, TN, Sally Morgan of Roan Mountain, TN, and Sam Thompson of Clear Water, FL. She will be missed by a group of special friends as well ? Nancy Rolen of Kingsport, Louella Roberts of Marietta, GA, Rufus Henley of Crossnore, NC, Mack and Betty Moore of Kingsport, and a special friend, six year old Henry Henley of Linville, NC. What a lady she was!

?Don?t be sad-
Just think of stepping on a shore and finding it heaven,
of touching a hand and finding it God?s,
of breathing new air and finding it celestial,
of waking up in glory and finding it home!?

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Kingsport.

Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marvin Cameron and Minister Mitch Whisnant officiating.

In lieu of flower memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.