March 3, 1916-April 27, 2014

William Theodore Cooper, Sr., 98, of Cassopolis passed to his rest on April 27, 2014 at Serenity Shores Assisted Living in Stevensville after an illness.

He was a devout and loving Christian person.

William was born on March 3, 1916, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of William E. and Margaret (Brooks) Cooper. His family moved to Chicago, where he resided before coming to Cassopolis some 69 years ago. He was an active member of the Calvin Center Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he held, many positions, including being one of the church elders. His church was his life. He also was one of the sponsors of Jail-Prison Ministries. He had been employed by the former Studebakers of South Bend, and before his retirement he worked for Lowe’s of Cassopolis in the kitty-litter business for many years.

He is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Willie Mae (Campbell) Cooper and their children, Cynthia (Ron) Small of Benton Harbor and Gilbert (Sylvia) Cooper of Huntsville, Alabama. There are five loving grandchildren and two wonderful great-grandchildren. He has a sister Harriett Dowd of Minneapolis. Family who have passed, are his parents and his eldest son, William T Cooper, Jr. in Feb. 2014.

The Service of Christian Remembrance will be on Friday, May 2, 2014, at noon, at the Calvin Center Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 19088 Brownsville Road, Cassopolis. Family and friends may gather from 11 a.m. to noon at the church. Officiating will be Elder Farai Nhiwatiwa, pastor. Interment will follow at Calvin Community Cemetery on Mt. Zion Road.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Church and the Church School, in William’s name.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.