Bernice Howard Cooper
October 29, 1917 ~ April 9, 2014
Signature Sympathy Cards
The life of Mrs. Bernice Howard Cooper came to its close on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 after an extended illness. She was born on October 29, 1917, the daughter of the late Ernie and Eunice Howard.
Bernice and her late husband, Jack Cooper, enjoyed their home on the Cooper farm following his retirement from CPL. During their thirty-seven years of marriage, Bernice and Jack shared their love of nature through gardening as well as providing a natural bird habitat around their pond for the Purple Martin. Bernice had a special interest and love for hummingbirds. In fact, her feeders attracted so many birds that her picture, as well as the hummers, made the front page of “The Nashville Graphic”.
Bernice enjoyed a childhood fostered with the love of a large family which instilled Christian values that served as an abiding comfort to her throughout her life. She loved gospel music and some of her fondest memories included her joined in song around the piano. She loved to share childhood memories of her many brothers and sisters, as well as her own children. She often shared her faith with those she had contact with including hospital staff, caregivers, family and friends. She particularly enjoyed her visits with Pastor Allen Williams as they quoted scripture to one another and prayed often. Having the opportunity to share scriptures aloud gave Bernice great comfort and joy.
In addition to her parents and husband, Jack, she was preceded in death by her three children: Marie Eubanks Sawyer; Ken Eubanks; Steve Eubanks; brother, Guy Howard; brothers-in-law, Ralph Costen and Elwood Pittman.
She is survived by her son, Mike Eubanks and wife, Margarite of Newport, NC; sisters, Flora Costen and Esther Pittman, Richlands, NC; Maxine Whisnand and husband, Chuck, Crestview, FL; brothers, Haywood Howard and Wilbur Howard, Indianapolis, IN. Also surviving are daughters-in-law, Lois Eubanks, Canada; Janice Eubanks, Newport, NC; sister-in-law, Carol Cooper Pelt and husband, Cliff, Castalia, NC; brother-in-law, Robert Cooper, Castalia, NC. Bernice also leaves behind to cherish her memory, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 12th with the Rev. Allen W. Williams officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Salem Baptist Church, 4502 Swift Creek School Road, Whitakers NC with the service following. Burial will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
The family wishes to acknowledge the friendship and kindness of her faithful caregivers, Linda Carter, Annie Battle, Annette Moody, Joyce Morsy and Mary Helen Taylor. Also, many thanks to Dr. Boyette and Lynn Brandshaw, RN of Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital and also to Dr. Broderick Bello and staff.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Childrens Home of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville NC 27361; the Bible Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 7300, Charlotte NC 28241 or Salem Baptist Church building fund, 4462 Swift Creek School Road, Whitakers NC 27891.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Location Not Available
Saturday 4/12, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Service
Location Not Available
Saturday 4/12, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Grandmother Bernice holds a special place in my heart. One of my fondest memories was when I was around the age of 13. I was visiting grandmother and she had a small organ in her home. I would sit at that organ and play for the longest time. Luckily the notes had letters on them and I could follow along in a song book she had. One of the songs in that book was His Eye is on the Sparrow and I loved to play that song. Grandmother would sing along with me while I sat there picking out the notes. She ended up giving me that organ some time later, but I can still remember that special time we had. There have been many more special talks and prayers over the years. Especially over the past 5 years after my father Steve passed away. I am so thankful that I had a Christian father and grandmother who loved the Lord. I can rest in the assurance that I will see them both one day soon. I am sad but am rejoicing all at the same time because I know she is walking those streets of gold in Heaven where she so longed to be over the past few years. I am going to miss this Lady so very much! I love you Grandmother and can’t wait till the time when we can meet on the other side.
There are times along lifes journey that can test the spirit deeply this is certainly one of those times May you never stop believing that your faith, your inner strength, & the power of Gods LOVE will carry you thru. For God is to us a refuge & strength. A help that is readily to be found during distresses. Ps. 46 1 . What a blessing we have been given, that of hope,& love. The hope of seeing our love ones again.