Joy Lorraine Cooper

Joy Lorraine Hunter Cooper was born on February 14, 1936, and passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and selfless devotion.
Lorraine grew up in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, where the rugged landscapes and close-knit community shaped her early years. With a determined spirit and a desire for education, she left her mountain home to attend Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee. There, she earned her secretarial degree, equipping herself for a life of purposeful work and service.
After graduation, Lorraine moved to Decatur, Alabama, where she began her career at Redstone Arsenal. She dedicated decades to her role, advancing to become a respected budget analyst before retiring in 1999. Her commitment to excellence and integrity shone through in her professional life, just as it did in every aspect of her character.
In retirement, Lorraine embraced what she often called her favorite role: being "MeeMee" to her two beloved grandchildren. She was deeply involved in their lives, creating countless cherished memories. The grandchildren fondly recall joyful afternoons staying at MeeMee's house, where she would join them in the backyard for lively games of whiffle ball, her laughter ringing out as she cheered them on with unwavering enthusiasm.
Lorraine truly lived up to her first name -Joy. She carried a positive attitude through every season of life, always seeking and highlighting the good in the people she encountered. Her warmth and optimism were contagious, brightening the days of family, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.
Lorraine had a lifelong love for music. In her retirement years, she returned to the piano with renewed passion, finding deep joy and contentment in practicing and playing. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Stephanie Dozier for the kindness she showed Ms. Lorraine-through patient piano lessons and a compassionate listening ear that enriched those later years.
Before and alongside her career, Lorraine was a devoted caregiver. She tenderly cared for her mother, moving her from North Carolina to Alabama to be close by, and provided loving support until her mother's passing in 1989. Balancing raising her own children, caring for her aging mother, and maintaining full-time employment, Lorraine exemplified quiet strength and sacrifice.
Her life can be beautifully summed up in two words: joy and sacrifice. She loved the Lord deeply, diligently searching the scriptures to discern His will for her life. Mission-minded and compassionate, she traveled to Romania on five occasions to carry out mission work. Her commitment ran so deep that she studied and learned the native language to better connect with and serve the people there.
In her final months, the family is deeply grateful to the attentive and compassionate staff at The Neighborhood in Priceville for the kind, dignified care they provided, allowing Lorraine to be surrounded by comfort and respect.
Lorraine will be profoundly missed by all who loved her-her family, friends, former colleagues, and the many lives she touched with her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless joy. Her example of love in action will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Lorraine is survived by her son John (Melissa) Cooper and daughter Tammy (Don) Dodson, her two grandchildren, Rachel Cooper and Ben Cooper, and one sister-in-law, Betty Sue Hunter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lelia Hunter, two brothers, Robin Hunter and Lark (Adelma) Hunter and two sisters, Wren (Dewey) Freeman and Ramona (Ray) Shepherd.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 14 from 9-11 AM with the funeral service immediately following at 11 AM. Both will be at the Decatur Church of Christ. The burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. Elkins East Chapel is honored to assist the family.
You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.