Willie Rene Cooper

Willie Rene Cooper fought the good fight and finished her race on Saturday, March 21, 2026.  She was born in Bremond, Texas on November 18,1943 to E.J. and Ollie Johnson.  Growing up on the south side of Midland, she attended Carver Junior- Senior High School.  She also studied in the kitchens of some of Midland’s greatest cooks; her Mother (Ollie T.), her aunt (Ora Williams), her stepmother (Anna Pearl Johnson), her Aunt Onell White, Mrs. Venus Price, Mrs. Woodard and Mrs. Jewel Cook.

In 1962 she married the love her life, Peter Cooper.  They were married for 61 years until his passing.  Together they raised 4 children: DeLancy Cooper, Peter Eric Cooper (Rose), Monica Cooper and Candi Cooper Gordon (Monte).  They also lovingly helped raise their granddaughter LaDerika Cooper May (Darrell).

Mom used the knowledge and wisdom gleaned from her “south side” mothers to pour into others.  For years, she worked at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Daycare as the Head Cook and served as a faithful member of the church until her health failed.  Later, she worked at Midland College Chap Center where she was referred to as “The Boss” for her ability to keep the staff and athletes in line.  She went on to care for several others but in her care for the Wickmans, a bond between our families was forever forged.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Ennis Lee Cole.

Along with her children, grandchildren and great children, Willie leaves to cherish her memory a host of family and friends.  If you ever met her, if you were ever blessed to bask in the light of her laughter, you became a friend!  

Receiving of friends will be Friday, March 27, 2026 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home. Funeral service is set for Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00am at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home Chapel.