Linda Cooper Young

1943 - 2025

Linda Cooper Young passed away peacefully on December 24 at her home in Memphis. She lived a life of deep love, grace and strength, and we will miss her dearly.

Born on October 20, 1943, to Meriam and Harry Cooper, Linda Diane Cooper was the eldest of five children. After graduating from White Station High School, Linda enrolled at University of Oklahoma, where she was a proud member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority, and Washington University in St. Louis, before transferring to Memphis State University. Following college, Linda worked as a social worker before devoting all her time to her family.

The turning point of her life was a chance encounter in 1963 at Memphis State Student Center, where she caught the eye of university senior, Edward "Eddie" Young. Linda often recounted the joy of their courtship, culminating in Eddie's proposal the day before Thanksgiving. They married in August, 1965. They moved to Nashville while Eddie attended Vanderbilt Law School. Upon Eddie's law school graduation in 1966, they returned to Memphis to grow their family.

Linda and Eddie shared many joyful years raising their children, Brad and Julie. They also cultivated a shared passion for travel, with Venice, Italy, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York being among their favorite destinations. Their love of adventure extended to wonderful and memorable trips taken with their children, grandchildren, and extended family. After Eddie's passing in 2022, Linda found pleasure in choosing unique and beautiful flowers for her garden, and in taking trips rich with cherished new memories with her children and grandchildren.

Always proud to be part of a large, close-knit, loving family, Linda is survived by her adoring children, Brad Young (Terri) of Atlanta and Julie Lovinger (Todd) of Tampa. She is also survived by her five beloved grandchildren-the lights of her life-who called her "Honey": Blake, Carly, and Brandon Lovinger, and Josh and Anna Young. Always proud to be part of a large, close-knit, loving family, she leaves behind her siblings: Allan Cooper; Ronnie Cooper (Tracey); Steve Cooper (Linda Stephens); and her little sister Caren Abis (Barney), whom she affectionately referred to as "Kekes," all of Memphis. Linda is also survived by her sister-in-law Ellen Salky (Sammy) of Memphis, and many cherished nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Linda was preceded in her passing by her beloved husband, Eddie Young; her parents, Meriam and Harry Cooper; and her niece, Sara Natalie Cooper, all of blessed memory.

Her family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable, caring, and capable women who ensured Linda's home, garden and care were in order: Janwana Beasley, Tibyea Malone, and Eva Swietkowski.

Every Shabbat, Linda would make the same meaningful toast. She would look at Eddie, raise her glass, and say, "Never above you. Never below you. Always by your side." May she now rest in peace, always at Dad/Pappy/Eddie's and Mimi and Papa Harry's side.

Funeral services are private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Linda's memory to the Memphis Jewish Federation or Temple Israel.