Joan O. Cooper

The Life and Legacy of Joan Odele Harris Cooper

Joan Odele Harris Cooper was born an only child on January 21, 1933 to Andrew and Christine Harris. She was born in Pulaski Tennessee. Joan had a maternal grandmother whom she called Mama Lula (Lula Rose). Mama Lula was her mentor and took her to church and taught her pride and respect for others and herself. Her father died when she was six months old. Her mother took Mama Lula and Joan and moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Joan was a very smart and inquisitive child. She graduated from Louisville Central High School in 1950, as class valedictorian, and went on to attend the University of Louisville. She pledged and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

While living in Louisville, Kentucky Joan met and married Frank Cooper (deceased) from Hopkinsville, Kentucky. To their union, they had three wonderful children; Michael, Debra, and Francine Cooper, and a wonderful step-daughter, Victoria Cooper.

In 1955 they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. After settling in, Joan decided to take her Grandmother’s advice and continue her education so she returned to college. Joan earned a B.A. in Humanities from Purdue University in 1971, and an M.S. in Education in 1981 from Purdue University.

She began her teaching career in 1970 with the Indianapolis Public School System. She taught her beloved high school level English and composition.

Beginning at Washington High School, then Shortridge High School, T. C. Howe High School, Roberts Academy Alternative School, and Arsenal Tech High school, she took a break from teaching to work as a Guidance Counselor. She still loved teaching English.

In 1996, Joan was a part of a team of consultants for reviving the 1997 edition of Elements of Literature by Holt, Rinehart, Winston Publishing Company. She also received the Sister Thea Bowman Humanitarian Award from the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Chicago III.

Joan retired in 1999 after teaching 28 years. During her retirement she loved reading books, traveling, and working in her garden. Her retired friends would take turns hosting lunch. She also enjoyed working with the youth, tutoring at times. She also spent time with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.

Joan Cooper accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church.

Mrs. Joan Odele Harris Cooper departed this life on September 24, 2017 at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 4 days.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Frank Cooper; Mother, Christine Connor; Father, Andrew Harris; Grandmother, Lula Rose; Uncles, many Aunts and cousins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son Michael L. (Ardranda) Cooper, Sr., daughter Debra Cooper Beaty, daughter Francine Roberson, daughter Victoria Carr, Grandchildren: Michael Cooper, Jr., Laurence M. Cooper, Rhonda Cooper, Tracee Cooper, Christopher Beaty, Rodney Roberson, Monica Roberson, Tiffany Roberson, Nancy Carr, Davetta Carr, and Tramine Carr; Great-Grandchildren: Angel Cooper, Christine Haley, Ajehla Haley, Aladrian Haley, Clay Haley, Janae Partee, and Darrian Partee; and Great-Great-Grandchildren: Amiya Sanders, Amaree Dillion, Junee Cooper, and Kensley Haley.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. West Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46228. Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11: a.m. Burial will follow at Washington Park North Cemetery.