Lydia Kooy Soper

Lydia Fairlight Kooy Soper, Mount Olive resident, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home.
Lydia was a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Married to Matthew Paul Soper, she prided herself in providing a warm and loving home for him each day as he returned from his teaching career. They worshipped together at the Bridge Church, Mount Olive, and frequently they would walk hand-in-hand, the streets of Mount Olive for exercise and simple enjoyment.
Lydia leaves behind her beloved husband, Matt; her mother, Teresa "Teri" Langley Kooy; her sister, Anne Kooy; two brothers, Peter Kooy and David Kooy; and a nephew, Cameron Kooy, all of Kalamazoo; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Rose Soper of Wyoming, Michigan; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wendi Soper, DVM, and Kevin Johnson, of West Olive, Michigan.
Her father, Cameron Kooy, preceded her in death.
A celebration of life service for Lydia will be Saturday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bridge Church of Mount Olive, located at 212 O'Berry Road, Dudley, NC.
A second service of remembrance will be held Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. at the Converge Church, 3306 Lover's Lane, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 a.m. A light luncheon will follow the memorial service.
As a lasting tribute to Lydia's life, Matt has suggested that memorial gifts be made to either of the following:
Cry Freedom Ministries, 3501 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530; Hearts and Hands for Haiti, 6612 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; or Gospel for Asia, 1116 St. Thomas Way, Wills Point, Texas 75169.