Shirley Annette Cooper

Shirley Annette (Gilmore) Cooper was born March 23, 1937, and entered her heavenly home on Friday, June 7, 2024. She was born to George and Zola (Bullard) Gilmore in Guymon, Oklahoma. When Shirley was two years old the family moved to San Bernadino, California where she and her sister, Mary, experienced some of their most fond memories of childhood. When she was 13, they returned to Goodwell, Oklahoma where she graduated high school and attended Panhandle A&M College. Later Shirley completed her education degree at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, eventually teaching art and PE at Hobart High School for two years, leaving a lasting impression on many of her students who remember her as one of their most fun teachers. In 1957, Shirley married Frank Emerson and to that union were born her son, Ronnie and daughter, Robin. In 1980, she married Tommy Cooper who became her traveling companion on adventures as far away as Hawaii. Shirley’s biggest feat was getting Tommy to eat more than meat and potatoes. They enjoyed gardening and she would share her canned black-eyed peas every Christmas with her family to eat on New Year’s Day. Shirley had a zest for life and an adventurous spirit and loved trying new things. Her artistic talent and abilities were gifts she selflessly shared with those she loved, always keeping in mind what others might enjoy. Shirley crocheted each of her children afghans, knitted countless items to wear, hand quilted numerous quilts, and then built on a room for her quilting machine, and spent hours free-style quilting for many in the community. She sewed endlessly for her family, including some of her great-grandchildren, before a shoulder injury limited her ability to continue. Shirley’s greatest love was cooking and she was best known for her Mexican food dishes with recipes passed down from her mother from their years in Southern California. She was a Kiowa County Fair prize-winning quilter, pie maker, vegetable canner, and crafter. When Shirley was 45, she learned sign language as a ministry for her church and in her early 60’s was asked to interpret for a young girl in kindergarten, following her through the second grade. This ministry continued into her 80’s as she interpreted for a doctor’s office on occasion. Shirley was an encourager and had a servant heart, helping many in her community, in various forms, throughout the years. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her most, especially her family who cherished her dry humor, laughter, and “I love you, too’s.” Survivors include her daughter Robin Johns and husband Randy of Edmond, OK, sister Mary Miller of Moore, OK, and daughter in law Teresa Emerson of Hobart. Survivors also include grandchildren, Allison Knowles (Chris) and Megan Webb (Kris) of Edmond; Erin Barnes (Dylan) of Decatur, TX, Allie Martin (Nick) of Oklahoma City, and Tanner Emerson (Lauren) of Sentinel, great grandchildren Ceanna White, Rebel Knowles, Stryker Knowles, Rawlings Webb, Rookie Webb, Cayden Barnes, Braxlyn Barnes, Acelyn Barnes, Eleanor Martin, Blair Martin, and Oliver Emerson, stepson, Steve Cooper (Brenda) of Edmond, stepdaughter, Beth Cooper of Oklahoma City, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her husband, Tommy, parents George and Zola, son, Ronnie Lynn, great granddaughter, Quinn Martin, great grandson, Ezekiel Emerson, step mother, Juanita Gilmore, and stepson Mike Cooper. Services for Shirley are scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024, 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Hobart with Tanner Emerson officiating. Interment will follow at Hobart Rose Cemetery. Family will be receiving friends Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00P.M. People's Funeral Home located at 1400 W Main, Lone Wolf, OK 580-846-9018.

Shirley Annette Cooper

March 23, 1937 - June 7, 2024

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Shirley Annette Cooper

March 23, 1937 - June 7, 2024

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information