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MARGARETT COOPER Obituary

COOPER--Margarett Gillespie, died peacefully on September 20, 2013 at Lenox Hill Hospital. She was born in Ohio on October 15, 1913, to Ella and Isaac Nathaniel Gillespie and was the youngest among Isaac Jr., Constance and Paul. Margarett took her father's love of books and her own delight in people to Wilberforce College where she was both a stellar student and a homecoming queen. Her mentor, the college librarian, was a force for intellectual and professional ambition, and Margarett graduated in 1937 with a determination to pursue graduate study in library science. When depression era scarcity delayed Margarett's studies, she taught for two years in a WPA nursery school. She subsequently earned a Masters in library science at Hampton University and pursued additional graduate study at Columbia University. She worked as a children's librarian in Virginia, and Ohio, inspiring growth and hope in countless young people. While at Hampton University, Margarett met and fell in love with a dashing young undergraduate, George Clinton Cooper. Their marriage in 1939 lasted until his death in 2002. George was a member of the "Golden Thirteen," the first African American officers in the United States Navy. He subsequently headed the trade school at Hampton, after which the couple moved to Ohio where George continued to work in education and urban administration. After her husband's death, Margarett moved to New York, a city she had always loved. Margarett thrived on New York's intellectual richness and quickly gathered friends across its multiple cultures. A painstaking genealogist, she discovered a family history of slave resistance and proud emancipation. An ardent fan of jazz and classical music, she was, at age 97, a savvy guest host on WBGO Jazz Radio. (To see a photo and listen to the broadcast visit http://www.wbgo.org/ blog/margaret-cooper-host-hour.) Margarett was an enthusiastic supporter and goading advisor to all the people she loved. She is survived by a daughter, Peggy Cooper Davis, a son-in-law, Gordon J. Davis, a granddaughter, Elizabeth Cooper Davis, a great- grandson, Johari Cooper Davis Moses and a large and adoring circle of extended family and friends. Margarett was a generous, sharp-witted, politically passionate and spirited force throughout her 100 years. We celebrate her life even as we suffer her loss. Friends are encouraged to honor her memory with commitment to social justice. She would also be honored by gifts to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, the Center for Family Representation, Jazz at Lincoln Center or the Studio Museum of Harlem.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Sep. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Barbara Hales

October 22, 2013

Dear Family:

I have fond memories of times spent with Peggy. I first met her & George in Dayton, OH, many years via Grace Morton & Elaine Bynam. I shall always remember her words of encouragement. She was a "cheer leader" in my life. What a blessing to have had her in our lives so long. Be assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ann Andrews Morris

October 2, 2013

Dear Cooper family -- I remember Mr. and Mrs. Cooper so fondly. When I was a little girl, I remember them coming to our house before going out to dinner with my parents on several occasions. I was a witness to witty, urbane and fun interactions that I remember to this day. I had a huge crush on Mr. Cooper, who was always so incredibly kind to me. And I remember Mrs. Cooper as one of the most proper, smart and beautiful women that I'd ever met. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of her and send my thoughts and prayers to you all. Warmest regards, Ann Andrews Morris (daughter of the late Tom Andrews, the former City Commissioner)

October 1, 2013

Cousin Peggy,
My heart is heavy. Only a few days ago did I find out about your passing. You shared so much with me about your genealogical studies, our family. You freely shared your encouragement and your love. I am so appreciative of you and Cousin George. You opened your heart to everyone. I will always love and remember you.
May the work that you have done.
May the song that you have sung.
May the life that you have lived,
now, speak for you.
Bradley McClain (Cousin)

September 30, 2013

my sincerest apologize for your loss may you find comfort in the god who supplies it.

September 30, 2013

I talked to Margarett several times on the phone while she lived in Dayton about the Bedenbaughs. I'm so sorry to hear that she has left us. My mother was a Bedenbaugh. Wilbur Lewis

Kevin Kortan

September 29, 2013

I had the good fortune of meeting Margarett when she was 90 years old. She was a passionate and loving person. By that age, many people have long ago set their mind and their ways. But Margarett was open to learning, always. Often at the end of our meetings, she would say to me, "Thank you, Kevin. I learned something today." That from a woman who had a wealth of knowledge, and experience, that she shared generously with me.
On a personal level, she exhibited much care and interest with me and my partner Patrick. For that, too, I will always hold her in high regard.
I love you, Margarett.
~ Kevin

Bill Wiley

September 29, 2013

Although I did not know her personally, I remember how warmly she received Central State students into her home many years ago. Her husband encouraged my successful export business. The family has had a special place in my heart.

Bedenbaugh Cousin

September 29, 2013

I am sorry to hear about her passing!

Audrey Prince

September 29, 2013

Dear Margarett,

I am so very blessed, to have found you. You gave me more than any other person on earth. Because I found you, I know more of our family history, than I would have ever known. I will forever treasure the photos of our grandparents/great grandparents. Our special love of family history was how our paths met. Now that you have crossed over, you can find out what you always told me. As you & I discussed our research, you always said that you just wanted to know who Joseph Bedenbaugh's parents were. Now that you've joined him, I'm sure you now know the answer. I wish you could send that info to me! : > )

Love you forever, your cousin Audrey

NeAnni

September 27, 2013

What wonderful memories I have of spending time with George and Margarett. I was always in awe at the music collection and their knowledge of - everything! They were great mentors. As you grieve, I hope it helps to know that Margarett lives on in the lives of those who were touched and changed by her presence and wisdom. May God continue to strengthen you during this difficult time.

Daryl Smith

September 27, 2013

Peggy, I'm so sorry for your loss and appreciate that your mother leaves a void that can't be filled. I was a neighbor of your parents and enjoyed being in their company; they were such a classy and fascinating couple. I loved their passion for life, the arts and for the dignity of their fellow man. I was blessed to have known them.

Terese Laughrey

September 26, 2013

Peggy was my very special friend - oh,
how we used to love to discuss almost
any topic....as you always ended our
conversation : "I love you" Terese Laughrey - dayton,ohio

Tom Vanderhorst

September 26, 2013

Peggy was a dear and wonderful friend to our extended family. I remember spending countless hours with her, George and Aline Colker on Sunday mornings talking about the world and solving its problems. What a wonderful group of friends who are dearly missed. She truly enriched the lives of all who knew her.

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