Bethany Jeannine Cooper

Bethany Jeannine Cooper, age 57, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. Bethany was known for her sharp intellect, creative spirit, and deep devotion to family. She lived a life shaped by curiosity, perseverance, and an enduring love for learning and the arts.

Bethany was the beloved daughter of the late Samuel W. Cooper, Jr. and Bettye Jean Nathan Cooper, and the cherished sister of Kristie Cooper Cousin (Dr. Darren) of Slidell, Louisiana, and Samuel W. Cooper, III (Cori) of Smyrna, Georgia.

She held a special place in her heart for her godson, Justin Nathan, whom she loved as her own son. Bethany was also a devoted aunt to her nieces, Danielle and Delaney Cousin, and her nephews, Brent and Brock Cooper. She followed their achievements and extracurricular activities closely and took immense pride in each of them.

Bethany's academic journey reflected both her creativity and determination. She attended Louisiana State University on a Chancellor's Honor Scholarship. She earned an Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate from Teche Area Vocational-Technical College, a Bachelors degree in Performing Arts: Arts Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology: Stage Management from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was a Chancellor's Scholar and Graduate Teaching Assistant. She later earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Information Systems from Northwestern State University. Bethany was an extremely proud Mensa member as well.

Bethany had a love of reading and writing, often creating stories, plays, and poems. She was deeply passionate about stage production and all aspects of the performing arts. Music of every era and genre filled her life, and she also enjoyed watching sports. Her wide-ranging interests reflected her curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for art, culture, and learning.

In addition to her siblings, nieces, nephews, and godson, Bethany leaves to cherish her memory two uncles, Ronald Lee Nathan and Darrel Cooper (Evelyn), five aunts, Jaqueline Nathan, Gwendolyn Key (Delaney), Iris Lynn Stevenson, Valenti Joubert and Sheila Cooper Hall (Renaldo Sr.), and many devoted cousins, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her maternal grandparents, Ben Nathan, Sr. and Louise White Nathan; her paternal grandparents, Samuel W. Cooper, Sr. and Gladys Cooper; three uncles, Willie Jay Nathan, Sr., Darryl Bernard Nathan, and Ben Nathan, Jr. and two nieces, Simone Riley and Samantha Reagan Cooper.

Bethany's final resting place is Saint Edward Catholic Church Cemetery in New Iberia, Louisiana.

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