Lola M. Cooper

COOPER, Lola M. (nee McMeans) On Sunday, (March 6, 2005) Heaven rejoiced when Mother Lola Cooper was called Home to Glory! Mother Cooper, a resident of Pembroke St., Hartford, passed away at the home of her daughter in Wethersfield, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Jefferson County Alabama on September 5, 1917, to the late Lee and Isabel McMeans, Lola was the second of six children. Completing her secondary education at Fairfield High School in Alabama. Lola continued her education graduating from the Booker T. Washington Business College also in Alabama. After completing college Lola was employed by the Smith and Gaston Funeral Services in Birmingham until she migrated to Hartford. In Connecticut, she was employed by Hamilton Standard and later by the State of Connecticut where she retired after 21 years of service. Lola was also a member of the Pathfinders Scholarship Club in Hartford. She was a faithful follower of the New York Mets always clicking her remote trying to find them playing a game. Mother Cooper as she is fondly known, was a founding member of The First Cathedral Church. She served as the secretary to the Pastor and as the clerk of the church. In addition Lola was a founding member of the Hopewell Concert Choir, as well, as also serving as the secretary and church clerk while a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. She leaves a void in the hearts of her daughters, Vernita Jackson of Windsor, Phyllis McMeans of Wethersfield, and Jacqueline Boomer of Hartford. Her grandchildren, Cynthia Stallings, Valerie and Tracey Jackson, and Reva Boomer. Her great grandchildren, Jaymes Walker, Brandon Dailey, Trey Pinkston and Jordan Ruddock. Her brother, J.,C. McMeans of Alabama; brother-in-law, Leonard Cooper of Hartford; sisters-in-law, Ollie McMeans of Maryland, Anne McMeans and Marion Cooper of New York; Goddaughter, CIaudette Davis as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Wiley, her lifelong friend and the father of her oldest children, Jessie Rollins, her daughter, Gwendolyn. Stallings, her brothers, Willie Lee, Charlie, and Warren; her sister, Gladys Davis; brother-in-law, James Davis, sister-in-law, Evelyn McMeans and her son-in-law, Henry Jackson. The services for Mother Cooper will be held on Thursday, March 10, at The First Cathedral, 1151 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield. The family will receive friends at 12 Noon, with the sercvice commencing at 1 p.m. Bishop Leroy Bailey Jr. officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Fuqua Funeral Service, 94 Granby St., Bloomfield.