Living

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Also Known As: Billy
• Residence: 1935, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA
• Residence: 1940, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; StreetAddress: West Haven; 5 Age: 5; AttendedSchool: No; CityWard: 6; EnumerationDistrict: 64-39; Single MaritalStatus: Single; Son RelationToHead: Son
• Residence: 1950, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; 15 Age: 15; EnumerationDistrict: 64-42; Son RelationToHead: Son; Never Married MaritalStatus: Single

Notes:

Died:
On January 29, 2017, Dr. William (“Billy”) C. Cooper, Jr., 82, died peacefully following a courageous battle against declining health. Dr. Cooper was born on June 5, 1934 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to William C. Cooper, Sr., and Willie Odom Cooper. Dr. Cooper was predeceased by his parents, as well as his sisters, Doris Cooper Wrenn and Jean Cooper Barefoot, his brothers-in-law, Don Scarboro, Roy Lee Fulcher, Everette Barefoot, and Jack Fenner, and sister-in-law, B.J. Fulcher Fenner.

Dr. Cooper is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Janet Fulcher Cooper. Dr. Cooper and his wife met in high school and were high school sweethearts. Dr. Cooper is also survived by his three devoted children, daughter Audrey Lane Cooper of Rocky Mount, son William Scott Cooper, Sr. and daughter-in-law, Laurie Phillips Cooper, of Raleigh, and daughter Elizabeth Cooper Rose and son-in-law, Jep Rose, of Rocky Mount.

Dr. Cooper is survived by five loving and beautiful grandchildren, Rachel Cooper Torres and her husband, Eric Torres, of Fuquay Varina, William (“Will”) Scott Cooper, Jr., of Raleigh, Sarah Jane Cooper of Boone, Mary Ashley Rose of Raleigh, and Lucy Cooper Rose of Chapel Hill, as well as sister-in-law, Audrey Fulcher Scarboro, of Rocky Mount, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Freddy and Sarah Fulcher, and nieces and nephews.

In 1952, Dr. Cooper graduated from Rocky Mount High School, where he was a star quarterback on the football team and voted the best all-around boy in his graduating class. He was a dedicated member of Troop 11 of the Boy Scouts, during which Bill Draper, his scoutmaster, became one of Dr. Cooper’s most ardent mentors. Dr. Cooper attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Upon his high school graduation, Dr. Cooper entered Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he played as the quarterback for the football team for 2 years, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956, graduating with honors. From Union College, Dr. Cooper entered Duke Medical School, where he was president of the junior and senior medical school classes and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, honorary medical fraternity.

Dr. Cooper interned at Duke in pediatrics in 1960-1961, and his first year of pediatric residency was served at Duke in 1961-1962. In 1962, he entered the Army and spent two years at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was active in pediatrics at the Army base. In 1964, Dr. Cooper returned to Duke as chief resident and completed his residency in pediatrics. He went into practice with two pediatricians in Lumberton, but returned to Rocky Mount where he opened his own private practice on February 14, 1966.

Dr. Cooper practiced medicine for approximately 48 years. Following his retirement, he worked as a volunteer at Nash General Hospital for around 6 years.

Dr. Cooper loved to read, watch movies, travel to the beach, sports, including going to Duke football games with his daughter, Audrey, and especially being with family and friends. He was a faithful member of The Church of the Good Shepherd from 1966 until his death.

Dr. Cooper was blessed with a brilliant mind, but most importantly, he utilized his intellect, skills, and abilities to serve God through tirelessly treating and healing his little patients, as well as providing encouragement, hope, and deep empathy to their families. Dr. Cooper became a physician, so that he could provide service to others, and he dedicated his life to striving at all times to alleviate suffering. He went beyond the call of duty, such as the many holidays he made house calls to treat sick or injured children, so that it would be easier for the children and their families. He always worked hard to make life better for others.

Dr. Cooper always lived his life with the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and good character. He had a gentle, calm, and sweet spirit. He was deeply compassionate and loving to all people. He was always forgiving of those who hurt him and never criticized or judged others. Dr. Cooper epitomized all of the fruits of the spirit - gentleness, faithfulness, patience, love, joy, self-control, peace, goodness, and kindness.

His wife knew him as a devoted, committed, and loving husband, and his children and grandchildren knew him as a beloved and precious Father and grandfather. He was a loyal and fine friend and had a great sense of humor. Dr. Cooper was adored by his family and will be deeply missed. Dr. Cooper also loved animals and will be very much missed by his Collie, Teddy, and his cat, Abigail. Whenever Dr. Cooper’s family thinks of him and his life, they think of the Bible verse, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

The family would like to extend their deep and abiding appreciation to Dr. Timothy C. Smith, who was Dr. Cooper’s dedicated and outstanding physician for many years, as well as being a very dear and special friend to Dr. Cooper and his family. The family also wishes to thank the physicians and nurses who cared for him at Vidant Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro upon his last admission to the hospital, as well as the staff at Autumn Care of Nash, who lovingly cared for him during his last days.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Wheeler and Woodlief of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, at Wheeler and Woodlief. A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Cooper’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount. Following the service, interment will be held at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, or Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

https://www.wheeler-woodlief.com/obituary/william-c-cooper/

William married Janet Deloris Fulcher on 21 Jun 1958 in Nash, North Carolina, USA. Janet was born on 12 Nov 1934 in Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; died on 24 Oct 2020 in Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; was buried on 31 Oct 2020 in Pineview Cemetery, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Janet Fulcher Cooper, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2020, while surrounded by her loving family. Mom was born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 12, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Roy Lee Fulcher and Carrie Lane Willis Fulcher. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dr. William “Billy” C. Cooper, Jr. Mom and Dad met in high school and were high school sweethearts.

Mom was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Roy Lee Fulcher and B.J. Fulcher Fenner; her sister and brother-in-law, Audrey Fulcher Scarboro and Don Scarboro; sister-in-law, Doris Cooper Wrenn; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Everett and Jean Cooper Barefoot; and brother-in-law, Jack Fenner.

Mom is survived by three devoted children, daughter, Audrey Lane Cooper of Rocky Mount; son and daughter-in-law, William Scott Cooper, Sr. and Laurie Phillips Cooper, of Raleigh; and daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Cooper Rose and Jep Rose, of Rocky Mount; her five loving and beautiful grandchildren, Rachel Cooper Torres and her husband, Eric Torres, of Durham; William “Will” Scott Cooper, Jr. of New York, New York; Sarah Jane Cooper of Durham; Mary Ashley Rose of Raleigh; and Lucy Cooper Rose of Rocky Mount. She is also survived by a great granddaughter, Charlotte Emilia Torres. In addition, Mom is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Fred “Freddy” Fulcher and wife, Sarah, of Davis; brother-in-law, Weaver Wrenn of Virginia Beach; and nieces and nephews.

Mom graduated from Rocky Mount High School and subsequently matriculated to Meredith College, where she received a B.A. degree in education. She taught 4th grade in Durham during the time Dad studied at Duke Medical School and as a resident in pediatrics at Duke.

Upon the birth of her children, Mom stayed at home to love, nurture, and care for us. When we left home to attend college, she taught at Edwards Junior High and worked at Baskerville Elementary School as the director of an after school program and as an assistant to the librarian. Mom also worked often in Dad’s office to help Dad build his pediatric practice. She loved to meet Dad’s little patients and gave encouragement and guidance to families.

Mom loved us unconditionally. One of her greatest joys was taking care of her family. She was an excellent role model and taught us to live by spiritual principles, including the fruits of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians, 5: 22-23. Mom taught us through her words, but most importantly, through her actions. Mom was compassionate, loving, empathetic, warm, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Mom was very special.

Mom loved people of all ages. She was always helping others, whether someone was suffering or celebrating joyful events.

On May 9, 1996, Mom suffered a catastrophic medical event at Duke Medical Center following a procedure. She suffered for almost 25 years as the result of this event. Despite Mom’s many struggles, she continued to teach us by living her life with grace, dignity, gratitude, and a positive attitude. She never complained.

Mom was a devoted, committed, and loving wife and beloved and precious Mother and grandmother. She was a loyal and kind friend.

The following anonymous personal reflection describes Mom beautifully, “The place where I grew up was strong and secure. It was bright and lovely. It was my home. It was the heart and mind of my mother.”

Mom taught us about a loving and compassionate God. She had a deep faith and was a dedicated member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount from 1966 until her death. God blessed Mom with a beautiful singing voice. She utilized this gift by singing in the adult choir and as the director of the children’s choir.

When we feel sad, we will remember our memories of Mom and reflect on how God blessed us with such a wonderful Mother. We will recall the Bible verse contained in Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will also remember and rejoice that God, the Great Physician, has healed Mom’s body and mind. Mom is in heaven now and is filled with joy and peace. We are certain that Mom is using her singing voice to praise God.

Farewell, precious Mom, until we are all together again.

We would like to extend our deep and abiding appreciation to the staff of Autumn Care of Nash, who lovingly cared for Mom during the last several years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.

A private, family graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Matt Johnson officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

https://www.wheeler-woodlief.com/obituary/janet-fulcher-cooper/

Other Events and Attributes:

• Social Security Number: 723072167
• Residence: 1931; Farmer Occupation: Farmer
• Residence: 1935, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA
• Residence: 1940, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; StreetAddress: West Haven; Age: 37; Owner Occupation: Owner; AttendedSchool: No; CityWard: 6; ClassofWorker: Working on own account; EmploymentCode: 1; EmploymentDetails: No; EmploymentHistory: No; EnumerationDistrict: 64-39; GradeCompleted: High School, 4th year; HomeOwnership: Owned; HoursWorked: 30; Income: 0; IncomeOtherSources: Yes; IsEmployed: Yes; OwnsFarm: No; PublicEmergencyWork: No; Respondent: Yes; SeekingWork: No; ValueOfHome: 12000; WeeksWorked: 52; Married MaritalStatus: Married; Head RelationToHead: Head
• Residence: 1988, Cumberland, North Carolina, USA; Divorced MaritalStatus: Divorced

William married Willie Pierce Odom on 11 Dec 1931 in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Willie was born on 16 Jul 1898 in Rocky Mount, Edgecombe, North Carolina, USA; died on 3 Aug 1967 in Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; was buried in Pineview Cemetery, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Willie Cooper
• Name: Willie O Carpenter
• Name: Willie Odom Cooper
• Residence: 1935, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA
• Residence: 1940, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; StreetAddress: West Haven; Age: 41; AttendedSchool: No; CityWard: 6; EmploymentCode: 5; EmploymentDetails: Home Housework; EmploymentHistory: No; EnumerationDistrict: 64-39; GradeCompleted: College, 2nd year; IncomeOtherSources: Yes; IsEmployed: No; PublicEmergencyWork: No; SeekingWork: No; Married MaritalStatus: Married; Wife RelationToHead: Wife
• Residence: 1950, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina, USA; 51 Age: 51; EnumerationDistrict: 64-42; Head RelationToHead: Head; Widowed MaritalStatus: Widowed
• Residence: 1967, Rocky Mount, Edgecombe, North Carolina, USA

Notes:

Died:
Age: 69; Divorced

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, Northern District, Sampson, North Carolina, USA; 6 Age: 6
• Residence: 1860, Honeycutts, Owensville, Sampson, North Carolina, USA; Age: 14; AttendedSchool: Y

Notes:

Died:
Age: 90

Erastus + Lou S Duncan. Lou (daughter of Reverend Henry Joshua Duncan and Eliza Jane Bell) was born on 27 Mar 1867 in Sampson, North Carolina, USA; died on 17 Mar 1943 in Fayetteville, Cumberland, North Carolina, USA; was buried in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Falcon, Cumberland, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Lou S Cooper
• Residence: 1943, Falcon, Cumberland, North Carolina, USA

Notes:

Died:
Age: 75