A. Marcelle Cooper

A. Marcelle Cooper

January 1, 1939 – December 15, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of A. Marcelle Cooper, who peacefully departed this life on December 15, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on January 1, 1939, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Marshall and Bessie Wilkerson, Marcelle was a trailblazer in her professional life and a woman whose vibrant personality left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

A Life of Professional Distinction

Marcelle dedicated over 30 years of her career to Norwest Financial Services. Her commitment and expertise led to a groundbreaking achievement when she was named the institution's first African American Woman Trust Account Officer. Her pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations within the financial industry.

A Joyful and Passionate Spirit

Beyond her professional achievements, Marcelle was renowned for her larger-than-life personality. Those who knew her will instantly recall her laugh-loud, contagious, and recognizable from the next room. She had a profound love for sports and was a fixture at North High School events, passionately cheering on her children and honoring the legacy of her late husband, Lowell Cooper Sr.

In her spare time, Marcelle found joy in the details of life, whether she was meticulously doing taxes, baking sweet treats, or sewing for her cherished family and friends. Food was her passion, and her hospitality was legendary; "leaving with a plate" was not a suggestion, but a requirement.

Family and Legacy

Marcelle has been reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Lowell A. Cooper Sr.; her parents, Marshall and Bessie Wilkerson; her siblings, Eugene Eilkerson, Marshall Wilkerson Jr., Donald (Jessie) Wilkerson and Norma (Isaac) Marshall; and her sons, Delmar Weathers and Jeffrey Weathers.

Her memory will be cherished by her son, Peter Weathers-Cooper; her step-children, Kevin (Teresa) Cooper, Danita Jacobs, Terri (Bernard) Schratz, Veronica (Louis) Dawson, and Lowell Cooper Jr.; sisters Marjorie Blackwell, Gloria (Will) Wright, Kay Hudson, Charlene (Eugene Sr.) Woodfin, and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Marcelle's remarkable life will be held at the Maple Street Missionary Baptist Church at 1552 Maple St. Des Moines, Iowa on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM with visitation at 11:00am. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Following the service, a repast will be held at 2100 Saylor Road, Des Moines, IA.