Jerry “Pop” Cooper, age 70 and a longtime resident of Forest, passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Funeral services were conducted from the Forest Baptist Church at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 9, 2021. Dr. Joe Pate, Dr. Gordon Sansing, and Rev. Jim McCarthy officiated. Interment followed in the Eastern Cemetery under the direction of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest.
Visitation was at Ott & Lee Funeral Home from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, January 8, 2021, and on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service at Forest Baptist Church.
Born January 29, 1950, Mr. Cooper was born at Kosciusko, reared in Carthage, and was a veteran of the oil field industry, serving over 30 years in that profession. He was a Christian by faith, and a dedicated member of Forest Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher for various age groups and worked in the projects and efforts of the Men’s Ministry. As a testimony of his character, it was said of Jerry Cooper, “he loved his church”, and at his passing, “he was one of the good ones.” He will be missed by many. He held a close-knit connection with his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and other extra-curricular activities. His infectious laugh and smile will be remembered for generations to come.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Thomas Cecil and Eva Mae Doster Cooper, and one brother-in-law: James Dale.
He is survived by his wife of over 48 years, Mrs. Gwyn Hardin Cooper; one son: Jeremy (Tinyke) Cooper of Hattiesburg; one daughter: Courtney (Sonny) Sparks of Kosciusko; six grandchildren: Cooper Sparks, Alli Sparks, Spencer Sparks, Maria Cooper, Jaydin Cooper and Luke Sparks; four siblings: Regiena (Al) Berry, Wondra Lou Dale, his twin brother: Larry (Wanda) Cooper, and Karen (Steve) Clark; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Corey Dale, Casey Dale, Matt Berry, Chase Hammett, Jason Burt and Jason Bailey.
Honorary Pallbearers were Eddie Clark and Bobby Shumaker.
The family request that memorial donations may be to Forest Baptist Church, Men’s Ministry, P.O. Box 338, Forest, MS 39074.
Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 295 East First St., Forest, MS served the Cooper family.
