Janet Fulcher Cooper

ROCKY MOUNT - Janet Fulcher Cooper, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2020, while surrounded by her loving family. Mom was born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 12, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Roy Lee Fulcher and Carrie Lane Willis Fulcher. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dr. William "Billy" C. Cooper, Jr. Mom and Dad met in high school and were high school sweethearts. Mom was also preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Roy Lee Fulcher and B.J. Fulcher Fenner; her sister and brother-in-law, Audrey Fulcher Scarboro and Don Scarboro; sister-in-law, Doris Cooper Wrenn; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Everett and Jean Cooper Barefoot; and brother-in-law, Jack Fenner. Mom is survived by three devoted children, daughter, Audrey Lane Cooper of Rocky Mount; son and daughter-in-law, William Scott Cooper, Sr. and Laurie Phillips Cooper, of Raleigh; and daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Cooper Rose and Jep Rose, of Rocky Mount; her five loving and beautiful grandchildren, Rachel Cooper Torres and her husband, Eric Torres, of Durham; William "Will" Scott Cooper, Jr. of New York, New York; Sarah Jane Cooper of Durham; Mary Ashley Rose of Raleigh; and Lucy Cooper Rose of Rocky Mount. She is also survived by a great granddaughter, Charlotte Emilia Torres. In addition, Mom is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Fred "Freddy" Fulcher and wife, Sarah, of Davis; brother-in-law, Weaver Wrenn of Virginia Beach; and nieces and nephews. Mom graduated from Rocky Mount High School and subsequently matriculated to Meredith College, where she received a B.A. degree in education. She taught 4th grade in Durham during the time Dad studied at Duke Medical School and as a resident in pediatrics at Duke. Upon the birth of her children, Mom stayed at home to love, nurture, and care for us. When we left home to attend college, she taught at Edwards Junior High and worked at Baskerville Elementary School as the director of an after school program and as an assistant to the librarian. Mom also worked often in Dad's office to help Dad build his pediatric practice. She loved to meet Dad's little patients and gave encouragement and guidance to families. Mom loved us unconditionally. One of her greatest joys was taking care of her family. She was an excellent role model and taught us to live by spiritual principles, including the fruits of the spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians, 5: 22-23. Mom taught us through her words, but most importantly, through her actions. Mom was compassionate, loving, empathetic, warm, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Mom was very special. Mom loved people of all ages. She was always helping others, whether someone was suffering or celebrating joyful events. On May 9, 1996, Mom suffered a catastrophic medical event at Duke Medical Center following a procedure. She suffered for almost 25 years as the result of this event. Despite Mom's many struggles, she continued to teach us by living her life with grace, dignity, gratitude, and a positive attitude. She never complained. Mom was a devoted, committed, and loving wife and beloved and precious Mother and grandmother. She was a loyal and kind friend. The following anonymous personal reflection describes Mom beautifully, "The place where I grew up was strong and secure. It was bright and lovely. It was my home. It was the heart and mind of my mother." Mom taught us about a loving and compassionate God. She had a deep faith and was a dedicated member of The Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount from 1966 until her death. God blessed Mom with a beautiful singing voice. She utilized this gift by singing in the adult choir and as the director of the children's choir. When we feel sad, we will remember our memories of Mom and reflect on how God blessed us with such a wonderful Mother. We will recall the Bible verse contained in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." We will also remember and rejoice that God, the Great Physician, has healed Mom's body and mind. Mom is in heaven now and is filled with joy and peace. We are certain that Mom is using her singing voice to praise God. Farewell, precious Mom, until we are all together again. We would like to extend our deep and abiding appreciation to the staff of Autumn Care of Nash, who lovingly cared for Mom during the last several years of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina, P.O. Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. A private, family graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Matt Johnson officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Saturday 10/31, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm A private, family graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Matt Johnson officiating.