Beverly Batchelor Cooper

NASHVILLE - Beverly Batchelor Cooper died on November 30, 2013 at the age of 84 in her home in Nashville, NC surrounded by her family. Born to Ethel Thorne and Willard Pell Batchelor on November 4, 1929 in Nashville, NC, Beverly graduated cum laude from Meredith College with a Bachelor's Degree in Religion. She later attained her Master's in Education and French from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Beverly and her beloved husband, Roy, were childhood sweethearts and wed in September of 1952. She and Roy lived in Nashville for the rest of their lives.
Beverly was a renowned public school teacher having taught French and English in middle school and high school for the Nash County School System. Many of her students who have grown up to live successful lives attribute their start to Beverly's inspirational teaching. In her role as a teacher, Beverly worked nights, days and weekends preparing lesson plans that would help inspire and shape young minds. She believed in the power of education.
After her teaching career, Beverly earned a Paralegal Degree and came back to help with the law office of her husband, her two sons, Roy and Pell and their law partners. She helped the office run smoothly with her accounting, paralegal and people skills.
Beverly enjoyed her work with Delta Kappa Gamma, the Honorary Teachers Society and the Nashville Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School Superintendent and choir member. She loved her book club, her birthday club, reading, theater, music and dance.
Beverly was a woman of deep faith who contemplated going into the ministry. However, she decided that public school teaching and raising her family were her callings. By the grace of God, she fought cancer courageously at different times over the years. She was grateful for her full, joyful life.
Beverly leaves behind her husband, Roy A. Cooper, Jr., son, Roy A. Cooper, III and wife, Kristin, son Pell C. Cooper and wife Meredith and four grandchildren, Hilary, Natalie, Claire, and Marelle. Beverly also leaves many dear friends and extended family.
Visitation for family and friends will occur 6:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Beverly will be held at 11:00am Wednesday morning at Nashville Baptist Church with Rev. Alfred Ayscue officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Nashville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 637, Nashville NC 27856 or the Boys and Girls Club of Nash/Edgecombe Counties, P.O. Box 1622, Rocky Mount NC 27802.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. You may share your memories and send the family condolences online by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.