Celebrating the Life of
Martha Mouzone Cooper
Sunrise: June 1, 1921
Sunset: March 15, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014 First A.M.E Church - 530 37th Street, Oakland, CA OfďŹ ciated by Rev. Cecil Williams
In Loving Memory
Martha Mouzone Cooper Martha Mouzone Cooper was born on June 1, 1921 in Manning, South Carolina to Joseph and Virginia. At the age of 3, she relocated to Susanville, California with her Great Aunt Emma. There she enjoyed a wonderful childhood, later sharing fond memories of cinema outings and softball games with her friends. In 1939, she and her Great Aunt Emma, whom she lovingly called “Mama”, moved to Oakland, CA. There she met a fine gentleman by the name of Earl Cooper. They wedded in 1939 and to their union were born four amazing children: Eleanor Mae, Barbara Jean, Earl Jr. (Skippy) and Charles Bruce. Martha was a virtuous and God-fearing woman who modeled her life after Christ's tenets. She joined with the First A.M.E. Church in 1939 and there she stayed a faithful member for over seventy years. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir for over fifty years, served on the Usher Board and participated in numerous auxiliaries within the church. For many years, she enjoyed being the President of the Inspirational Guild, which hosted an annual luau in June of every year. A devoted wife and mother, Martha was very active in her children's extra-curricular activities, including the Boy Scouts and the PTA, to name a few. She always stressed the importance of having a strong work ethic. Residing in the same home since 1947, she was a housewife for many years in addition to taking domestic work from time to time. In 1963, she took employment with Kaiser Permanente, where after twenty years of faithful service she retired in 1983. After her retirement, Martha remained active in the Retiree's Bowling League. She also made time to care for the sick and shut-in, as well as the elderly. Martha was a gracious hostess and impeccable cook. Known by many for her equally fantastic baking abilities, she was renowned for her delicious desserts. More notably, she will be remembered for making her specialty “Nut Bars,” a tradition she has passed down to future generations. Martha's beloved husband, Earl, known to his loving grandchildren as “Daddy O”, preceded her in death in 1978, followed by her youngest son, Charles Bruce, in 1986. She leaves, to cherish her memory and honor her legacy, four sisters: Carrie, Mary Edith, Dorothy and Daisy, three children: Eleanor Smith, Barbara Duke and Earl “Skip” Cooper, one daughter inlaw, Robin Cooper, eight grandchildren: Debra, Rosalind, David, Yolanda Denise, Kenya, Amber, Dawn and Evan, twelve great-grandchildren: LaKeisha, Clifford, David Jr., Demorie, DaVina, Emilio, DeVonte, Aman, Zipporah, Kennedy, Austin and Adele, and four great-great grandchildren: Drew, Brandon, Jakhari and Brian. She also has a host of nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom admired, respected and loved her dearly.
Order of Service Musical Prelude Processional Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Congregation Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Alonzo Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, CA
Scripture Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Harold Keyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First True Vine Baptist Church, Daly City, CA
Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zipporah Robinson Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna McKinney Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia Mouton Special Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earl “Skip” Cooper Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read Silently Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda Savage Video Presentation Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Cecil Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, San Francisco, CA
Recessional
Repast First A.M.E.Church
Mama
To Us, Mama means the World. Marvelous, Angelic, Motivator, Adorable and Loyal. You are all that and more. Mama, we know that God has blessed us to have You as our Mother. As our Mama, you are someone who is always willing to give, love, share, care and to extend herself beyond the call of duty. You have always been the finest example of being fair and not judgmental toward others. Loving you comes easy to us because you have always been there for us. You are always giving of yourself and your time, You have always been more than a Mother; you have been our Friend and our Confidante, willing to lend an era and your heart. You stand out among all the other Mothers. You are precious, dear and sweet. Mere words cannot express what you mean to us.
Honorary Pallbears Earl “Skip” Cooper Evan Flagg David Smith, Jr. Aman Williams
David Smith, Sr. Clifford Feurtado DeVonte Smith Demorie Daye
Services entrusted to McNary Williams & Jackson Mortuary
Acknowledgements The family of Martha Mouzone Cooper gratefully acknowledges your innumerable acts of kindness shown through each card, phone call, comforting word, dish and every heart-felt prayer; we thank you. We would like to especially thank Robin Cooper, R.N. Your tireless devotion has meant more than words can ever express. We'd also like to thank Hospice, the Kaiser Permanente Home Health Nurses, and all others who helped to make our loved one's transition to glory as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
The Great Times We Had
Dear Great Grandma, The way you laughed, I'll always remember the great times we had. At the foot of your bed watching you, I looked away and you said “Hello” then I smiled back at you and said “Good Morning.” Your voice, I'll always remember the great times we had. I've already dreamed about you and heaven. Heaven sent you down so the whole family could see how you were doing. We all drove around China looking at the street lights and how beautiful they were. Pre y things, I'll always remember the great times we had. When you first got home you told us bring you the hospital trey since you thought you were still there but my Mom said “Grandma, you're at home” and you looked back at me and said joyfully, “I'm at home? I'm at home!” You smiled; your smile. I'll always remember the great times we had. You're at your real home. Heaven, good times forever now, singing with the angels now. Watch over us, I'll always remember the great times we had. Love, Your Great-Granddaughter,
Zipporah Robinson