Maxine D. Cooper

Maxine M. Cooper 86 of Decatur GA formerly of Oklahoma City, OK passed away on August 2, 2019. The visitation will be held at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, August 9, 2019 from 10:00AM – 6:00 PM The Celebration of Life service will be held at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way. Lithonia GA 30038 on Saturday August 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Senior Pastor Charles D. Martin of Cornerstone Fellowship Church officiating. An Omega Omega service will be hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Decatur Alumnae Chapter at 10:00 AM. The Repast will follow immediately after the Celebration of Life service at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Maxine Marie Douglass Cooper was born in Oklahoma City, OK to Raymond Douglass and Marie Whitaker Murphy on December 17, 1932. She went to high school at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, OK. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University in 1954 and a Master of Arts degree in 1971 from New Mexico State University. Early in her career she taught in Los Angeles and in New Mexico. For the majority of her career, she worked in Special Education as a Vocational Special Needs Coordinator for Dekalb County School System. She received numerous awards and honors over her career as an Educator. She retired in May 2000 with a total of 36 years. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Decatur Alumnae Chapter and was very active in her church home, Cornerstone Fellowship Church. She enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with family. Being a military wife, she traveled from one end of the globe to the other. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jacqueline Robinson, her son, Theodore Paul Ritchey and daughters Alice Jean Cooper Battles and Elizabeth Jean Denson preceded her in death. Maxine Cooper is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Howard Lee Cooper, Sr. of Decatur, GA. She leaves behind to survive her, two sisters, Janice Cooper Denton and Marie Gross (Silas Jr.). Also, her children, Valencia Denise Cooper, Howard Lee Cooper, Jr. (Michelle Cooper) and Julia Cooper Allen, Marilyn Dent (Ernest Dent) and Diana Whitaker (Corey). Grandchildren, Raymond E. Cooper, Dr. Erica D. Lloyd, Elizabeth L. Andrews (Elton Andrews), Frank Griggs, Jr., Chudney L. Cooper, Samuel G. Jackson, Anita M. Allen, Jamyah Q. Cooper, Kita Dent, Rico Dent (Whitney Dent), and great-grandchildren, Donavan L. Slack, Jr., Amira K. Smith, Demetrius McDonald, Royal Dent and Princeton Dent. Two nieces Cherry Cornwall-Tatum (David) and Jennifer Denton and great nephew Jaden Denton. She also leaves behind her dedicated best friend of more than 40 years, Doretha Champion (John). Because of her big heart, she also embraced so many others as her sons, daughters and grandchildren as extended family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to I-Care Ministry of Cornerstone Fellowship Church located at 3310 Bethsaida Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213 or Dillard University National Alumnae Association 2601 Gentilly Blvd . New Orleans, LA 70122. Condolences may be mailed to 2327 Springside Way Decatur, GA 30032 or left in Maxine Cooper’s name online guestbook at https://www.levettfuneralhome.com. Per the family's request, please do not send any standing flower sprays to the service. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Decatur Alumnae Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and The Ladies of Purple Essence Gamma Sigma Chapter and Gregory B. Levett & Sons and all extended family and a host of friends. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, South DeKalb Chapel. 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy. Decatur, GA 30034. 404-241-5656.

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Maxine D. Cooper

December 17, 1932 - August 2, 2019