Ina Cooper

JONESBORO - Ina Martha Hendrix Cooper, 89, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025. Born Nov. 20, 1935, in Jonesboro to the late Tom and Laverne King Hendrix, Ina was a proud lifelong resident of her hometown. She graduated from Valley View High School in 1953, where she was known for her tenacity and skill on the basketball court.

Her early career began at Colson Caster Corporation where she would spend several years, after which she served as a secretary for Metropolitan Life Insurance for 16 years, until her retirement. She was a member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. Ina found joy in life's quieter moments, immersing herself in books and crossword puzzles that kept her mind sharp.

On Jan. 8, 1954, she married the love of her life, W.E. Cooper. They shared 46 devoted years together until his passing. Ina is survived by her son Eddie (Kathy) Cooper of Jonesboro; grandson Dr. Brandon E. (Stacy) Cooper of Wynne; and great-grandchildren Brendan and Reese. Her surviving family also includes her sister Peggy Burnett of Jonesboro; sisters-in-law Wanda Hendrix and Earline Hendrix; and a beloved niece, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by not only her loving husband W.E Cooper, but her brothers Russel Hendrix, Joe Hendrix, and Tommy Hendrix; and her brother-in-law Jerry Burnett.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 10 a.m. officiated by Dr. Brandon E. Cooper. The burial will be private. Honorary pallbearers will be her niece and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Arkansas Children's Hospital, two organizations close to Ina's heart.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ridgecrest Nursing Center for their loving care and compassion, and to Dr. Brandon Lane of St. Bernards Medical Center Emergency Room for his professionalism and kindness during Ina's passing.