BETTIE COOPER

BETTIE BRINKLEY COOPER  
Bettie Brinkley Cooper passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Bettie was born and grew up in Lexington, NC. A standout student and leader, she was elected President of the Student Body in Elementary and High School. A 1960 graduate of Duke University, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. As a sophomore, she was one of the 20 women of her class selected to be members of Sandals on the basis of outstanding leadership, scholarship and service. As a senior, she was inducted into honorary Phi Kappa Delta, recognizing her outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership, character and service. Importantly, Bettie was one of the seven women students of the 205 women of her class inducted into the prestigious White Duchy, one of Duke University's highest leadership distinctions for women. Bettie was married to Matthew T. Cooper for 59.5 years as he progressed from a Marine 1st Lieutenant to Lieutenant General. Bettie was a role model Marine wife. She served as President of the Marine Officers Wives Club at the U.S. Naval Academy and at Camp Lejeune, NC. She served on the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia School Board and the Fallbrook California School Board. Bettie played a key role in the creation of the Marine Corps' family assistance program. Bettie, her husband and their children were veterans of 24 active duty moves, residing aboard military bases in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, California, Hawaii, Germany, Japan, Louisiana and the District of Columbia. Bettie traveled throughout Europe, visited Russia, China, Korea and the Philippines. Bettie taught 4th Grade at three schools. She founded, owned and operated Coopers Collectibles (antique business) for 22 years. Bettie was a life-long and active member of the United Methodist Church. Bettie received a Certification of Commendation from the Commanding General of Marine Corps Development and Education Command, Quantico, VA in 1984, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Secretary of Defense in 1992, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award in 1993 and the prestigious Dickey Chapelle Award in 1993. Bettie leaves behind her husband, Lieutenant General Matthew T. Cooper, USMC (Ret.); three children, Elizabeth Hudson Cooper Benoit, Matthew David Cooper, Caroline Grier Cooper; three grandchildren, Chelsea L. Benoit Lundberg, Jennifer R. Benoit Frazier, Matthew R. Cooper, a step-granddaughter, Gabrielle G. Skorey; a son-in-law, David J. Benoit, III, a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth G. Skorey and a godchild, Rebecca Lanning. Bettie had one sibling, an older brother, Walter Foil Brinkley, Jr. Esq. who passed away in 2015. No services being held.