LYNNE ALLISON COOPER

Lynne Cooper, loving mother, wife, daughter and sister went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 15, 2021, at the age of 58—far sooner than she should have. She fought a long and difficult battle but eventually succumbed to Multiple System Atrophy, a disease which affects only about 11,000 people annually.

Lynne was born in Lafayette, Indiana to Michael and Madonna Smith. She spent her early years in Park Forest IL, Bloomington MN and Woodland Hills CA, suburbs of Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, respectively. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Psychology and from Texas Health and Science University with a master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

She and her family eventually moved to San Antonio in 1994. Besides being a full-time mother, Lynne was a specialist in healthcare information technology, medical transcription, medical billing and operations. Prior to opening her own medical billing agency, she influenced the processes and administration of those companies for which she worked, including North Hills Family Medicine, Baptist Health System and Baptist Physicians Network, Texas Spine Clinic, and Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. Lynne went above and beyond any work expectations. She passed a difficult examination to earn a certification in coding (CPC), the gold standard in the industry. Lynne never stopped educating herself. After significant training, she successfully became a Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). She was on the ground floor in developing and implementing billing procedures for the Lone Star Fast Clinics, at that time a developing primary health care delivery concept. Additionally, Lynne was a certified coach with the John Maxwell Team of coaches, trainers, speakers and professionals. She offered workshops, seminars, keynote speaking, and coaching to aid in personal and professional growth to individuals and companies.

Lynne was a friend to many people. She guided many in their life choices and was a counselor, a trusted mentor and a confidant to most. She influenced the lives of those with whom she worked, advanced their education and careers, and encouraged them to take risks and succeed. She didn't separate her professional relationships from her personal ones. When a colleague needed assistance and attention with family issues or illnesses, Lynne stepped in. She was simply a great role model.

On May 30, 1992, Lynne rescued Randy Cooper from himself by saying "I do", thereby starting a journey which lasted almost 30 years. Besides caring and compassion, humor was a cornerstone of their relationship. If Lynne couldn't find something funny about a situation, well Randy would. They raised three wonderful children, Amanda, Trent and Bradley. While she loved them and was fiercely protective of all three, they knew she didn't suffer fools well. Lynne didn't push them in their athletic endeavors but she was fanatical at their competitions—much to the embarrassment of the rest of the family and to the chagrin of anyone sitting nearby. Whether it was Amanda in volleyball (state finals), Trent in wrestling (state finals) or Bradley in football or baseball, nobody had to ask where Mom was sitting.

During a trip to California in 2001 to visit her sister, Lynne found herself sitting in a row with another lady. They chatted while they ate their meal (airlines used to do that) and continued to do so for the rest of the trip. Lynne's father's previous ventures in matrimony had not gone well, so much so that he had given her (and her sister) approval rights on any future forays of this nature. At the end of the flight, Lynne told the lady that she needed to meet her father. Lynne also noticed she was sitting in the wrong row. The lady turned out to be Marilyn Harrington who has been the love of her father's life for the past 20 years. Sitting in the wrong row—Fate? Destiny? Perhaps but maybe, just maybe, Lynne knew what she was doing all along. After all, she was a pretty smart woman. Guess we'll never know.

Lynne's last day on earth was one of her best in months. Her husband, her kids and her sister were all with her and, most importantly, was her six-month old grandson, Declan, with whom she played pretty much all day. She was happy and responsive and an active participant in the events. It was somewhat ironic that she passed away only hours later peacefully in her sleep, but that was Lynne—she did it on her terms.

Lynne was a religious person who very much believed in God and heaven, and this gave her comfort during her life. Lynne was a member for many years of Community Bible Church and involved in several women's groups with the church. She was also an advocate of Awana.

A special thank you goes to Lorie Willis, Lynne's very close friend who was with her throughout her years in San Antonio and provided spiritual support. Also, to her close friend and primary care physician, Dr. Melissa Kempf, who was always available for her medical needs or just to talk. Finally, to Trent who put his life on hold for the past year to lead the Cooper family "village" in the care and comfort of his mother.

Lynne was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Madonna and Victor Kerness, and her nephew, Caleb Maxwell. She is survived by her husband, Randy Cooper; her children, Amanda Valley (Ian), Trent Cooper and Bradley Cooper; her grandson, Declan Michael Valley; her father, Michael Smith; her stepmother, Marilyn Harrington; her sister, Leslie Smith; her half-brother, Michael Smith II; her niece, Samantha Dalton (Jeff); her nephew, Nicholas Maxwell (Tiffany); her stepsister, Ashley Zoppo (Andrew); and her stepbrother, Blake Harrington (Rebecca).

Memorials may be made to Declan's college fund at Ugift529.com, code K43-59U.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date at Mission Park North cemetery.