Mary Elizabeth Johnson Cooper

Mary ElizabethJohnsonCooper (Bake) was born on December 27, 1923 in Cash Corner, N.C. She was the 10th of 11 children born to Paul & Alvania Johnson and enjoyed a happy upbringing in the neighborhood fondly referred to as “Johnson Hill”. Mary was educated in the Pamlico County School system, and went on to obtain a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State Teachers College, in Elizabeth City, NC in 1946. While there, she was a star basketball player, a member of the choir and a piano teacher. Prior to this, Mary attended E&S Cosmetology School of Beauty and Culture in New Bern, NC and received her Cosmetology License in 1941. Mary started her career in education in 1947 as an Elementary School teacher in Jackson, North Carolina. She taught in Jackson for one year, but soon returned home to Pamlico County, NC where she taught from 1948 – 1958 at Pamlico County Training School. While there, she also held the position of basketball coach and was the favorite teacher of many. In 1950, Mary was blessed with her first born daughter, Rosalind Lois Johnson (Jamilah Munir). Mary and “Roz” resided on “Johnson Hill” for 8 years until she met and married Harley W. Cooper, of Oriental, N.C. and relocated to Stamford, CT. While in CT, Mary assumed the role of a full-time homemaker and part-time assistant for Harley’s successful trucking business. She also became a member of Bethel AME Church where she sang in the choir, was a member of the Evelyn Thompson Last Minute Club and participated in several other ministries. In 1959, the couple was blessed with a second daughter, lovingly known as “Baby” Cooper, an angel the Lord wanted to keep with Him in heaven. In 1961, they welcomed Valerie Antionette Cooper, followed by Hattie Louise Cooper Best, in 1966. Once all the girls reached school age, Mary broadened her career and became a special event planner. She hosted her first pageant competition in 1978, followed by numerous fashion shows, talent shows and church plays. In 1979, she completed secretarial training at Connecticut’s Commission on Training & Education (CTE) and held positions with Intech Leasing Corp and Dress Barn. Mary went on to receive numerous accolades in educational excellence from a multitude of civic groups and organizations. Mary is survived by 3 daughters: Jamilah Munir (Lithonia, GA), Valerie Cooper (Stamford, CT), Hattie Best (Atlanta, GA); 6 grandsons: Joshua Munir (Detrice), Murray Best II, Ryan Best, Marcus Cowan, Aaron Best and Jordan Green; 1 great-grandson: Joshua Daniel; 1 sister: Louise McDaniel (100 years old); several special sons and daughters: Marjorie Miller, Eddie Johnson, Nancy Gray, and Naomi Garfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter “Baby” Cooper; 6 sisters: Lovetta, Emma Louise, Annie Rachel, Catherine, Bonnie Lee, and Helen; and 3 brothers: Alexander, Hughie and Chester.