Willie Lee Cooper was born on September 21 st 1943, to the late Roscoe and Essie (Doby) Copper
in Hattiesburg, MS. He departed this life on Sunday, August 4 th 2024, at the comfort of his home
in Tupelo, MS at the age of 80.
Willie confessed a hope in Christ at an early age joining Chapel Hill Missionary Baptist Church in
Pachuta, MS.
Willie L. Cooper attended Rose Hill High School and graduated from South Side High School in
Laurel, MS. After moving to Beloit, Wisconsin in the late 1960's, he would meet the love of his
life Mardell Graham to marry. To this union they were blessed with three children: Symanthia,
Jennifer, and Daphne.
Willie Cooper worked at Fairbank Morrison in Beloit, WI and Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere,
IL for 32 years where he retired from. After retirement, Willie worked as a security guard. Willie
loved hunting, fishing, yardwork and landscaping.
He leaves to cherish his memories: wife Mardell Cooper of Tupelo, MS; daughters: Symanthia
Cooper of Tupelo, MS, Jennifer Cooper of Tupelo, MS and Daphne (Frederick) Dunlap of Tupelo,
MS; five grandchildren: Eboni Farr of Las Vegas, NV, Cajia Washington and Devin Washington
both of Florida, Symmoria Cooper of Madison, WI, Fairin Dunlap of Tupelo, MS; one great
grandchild; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; like a daughter Bridget Edwards and
Crystal Hendrix; like a son Steve Bowden; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other
family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Taylor and Daisy (McMickle) Doby Sr; his parents
Roscoe and Essie Cooper; daughter Carma Farr; and sister Margaret Glass.