Monday, September 16, 2024 | 11:00 AM
721 Jones Avenue NW Atlanta,
Rev. Tracy B. Wheeler, Officiant
Reverend Randall Cooper, Eulogist
Sunrise:
Born on January 13, 1938, to Dudley Buck Billingsley and Jessie Mae Paige, Sara Ann Cooper's legacy is profound and enduring.
No extensive biography is needed to honor the name of Sara Ann Cooper. Her life was a tapestry woven with countless memories, each thread representing the impact she made on the lives of those around her.
We gather here to speak your name, for we are your children, grandchildren, family, and friends. We speak your name to acknowledge the profound impact you have had on our lives the prayers you prayed for us, the dreams you nurtured for us.
You exemplified hard work, tirelessly balancing multiple jobs to provide for us. Your unwavering dedication paved the way for our futures. Because of your worries for us, and your steadfast concern, we stand here today, grateful.
SARA ANN COOPER.
You showed us the true meaning of generosity giving your best, and your all, even when resources were scarce. You instilled values that shaped us: the importance of good food, a clean home, and the discipline that came with your stern yet loving guidance.
Your radiant, light brown Mary Kay skin glowed throughout your life, just as your elegant style shone through in the beautiful clothing and hats you wore with grace.
You taught us to speak up for ourselves and to stand strong in the face of adversity. You were a pillar of strength, never crumbling under pressure.
From you, we learned resilience and perseverance.
SARA ANN COOPER.
We celebrate your strength. We celebrate your fight. We celebrate your unwavering love for your family. We celebrate your deep faith in God.
We are profoundly grateful for the dues you've paid, the sacrifices you've made, and the countless prayers you've lifted on our behalf.
Thank you for being our mother, Sara Ann Cooper.
Sunset: September 7, 2024, 8:50 PM “Don’t worry about me, I’m getting a fresh start in the morning.”
Amen!
Prelude
Processional
Clergy, Family & Friends
Selection
Greater Springfield Combined Choir
Scripture Reading
Rev. Anthony Sullivan
Old Testament
New Testament
Prayer
Pastor Tracy B. Wheeler, Sr.
Reflections (Three Minutes Please)
Emma Steed “Sister Gene”, Family Friend
Pamela Herring, Family Friend
Michael L. Jones, Grandson
Reecie Ashe, Lifelong Friend
We Speak Your Name (Read Silently)
Selection
Greater Springfield Combined Choir
Eulogy
Reverend Randall Cooper
Acknowledgements
Willie A. Watkins Staff
Recessional
Dear Sara, I can’t remember the year, month, date, or day that we met as neighbors and became best friends, but I counted the years, 60+. I could write a book about our lives and friendship, but I thought you were going to help me. Our families were so much alike. Our children were the best of friends, and each was close in age. We have mostly the same friends, we are members of the same social clubs and most favorably members of the same church. You moved from the neighborhood first and I moved the same year. Distance didn’t stop our friendship. We watched our children grow up finishing high school, go away to college and build families of their own. I am so glad I met you that day. I am so glad our paths crossed. Our friendship and our memories will always remain in my heart. I promise you that Carolyn, Michael, Debbie, Terry, and Randall, I will always be here for them. Your presence is a keepsake that will never part. God has you in his arms and I have you in my heart. Reecie
My friend and coworker, Sara Cooper: I met Sara in 1968. We were hired as Cafeteria workers by the Atlanta Public Schools’ Nutrition Department and assigned to the West Fulton High School cafeteria. She was hired as a first-time Cook, and I was hired as a first-time Cafeteria Manager. We bonded together immediately because we were both new, brand new to this job. Cooper was a fast learner and eager to get the job done, I was a bit slow and afraid. Cooper was confident, and would say to me, “Kiel we can do this.” Our first week was eventful: A coach came over to the cafeteria and asked if we could cook some chitterlings for her, and I said yes. Cooper was busy starting the day - she was assigned to make bread. I put the chitterlings in the steamer and the smell was bad. Cooper rushed over to me and said to me, “Kiel, Kiel, you were supposed to wash and clean the chitterlings first!” Well, that day bonded us forever as friends and co-workers. We laughed all day about my error. My friend did every task heartily, she wanted the food that we prepared for the children to be excellent. All the fruits of the spirit, (Galatians 5:22,23), were evident in her work. I am thankful to God for 54 years of sharing life with my friend Sara.
Virgil Green
Sara, My other Mother:
I met her again in the 2004/2005-time frame upon returning to Atlanta as my friend Billette, had invited the women of the family out for a play or dance presentation, and lunch afterwards. Sara found out I was a Mary Kay Lady and hired me immediately. We hit it off like two peas in a pod. I enjoyed servicing her skincare needs, and more. She filled the void I had from losing my mother in 1998, and so we would visit, do outings at the movies, or restaurants, or just spend time with her at the Senior Residence. There were family birthdays and other celebrations over the years, and she made room for me in her family. I adopted her, Sara my other mother, She was so loving and kind, never pushy or rude. Visiting Sara was filled with conversations pampering, or just sharing a word, of encouragement. She taught me to love more without stepping over boundaries as I observed her interactions with her children. I miss her on this plane, but this was not her eternal home anyway, so seeing her again, will be a time of rejoicing that I look forward to. I love you Sara, my other Mother!
Your other daughter, Pamela Herring
Hail to the Queen:
I can recall the day that I started calling Mrs. Sara, "Queen". I was the manager at Douglas High School and one morning when Mrs. Sara arrived, I shouted out good morning the Queen is here. Mrs. Sara immediately said, yes that's right Chef, the Queen is here and ever since then I have always addressed her as Queen! She would call me "Sarg" (Sargent) at times because she said that I managed the kitchen as if I was still in the military. Queen and my birthdays are one day apart, mine is on the 12th and hers is on the 13th. We would always call one another on our birthday but we would also try to go out to lunch and celebrate. She always encouraged me to do what was right. She loved her family, God, people, and her church. I will miss talking with Queen as we would do from time to time. Love you Queen rest in peace, my beloved.
Chef Dennis
Tribute to Sara:
Every time I would see Sara she would say,” Deidra have you used that new stove?” My reply would be: No, Sara, I still haven’t used it. I need you to teach me how to cook.” She would laugh and say, “ok I will”. Sara, I regret that you didn’t teach me how to cook, but I am going to use my new stove one day soon.
Deidra Burson
WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES: A Message from Your Grandbabies Grandma, as you look down on us, we give you thanks for all the memories you have given us. You had a hand in raising us and for that, we are forever grateful. The Strength, Courage, and Wisdom that you imparted to us have allowed us to make it thus far. We are so lucky to have had an old-school grandmother who believed in respecting your elders. Yes, ma’am and no sir were a must, and always keeping your head up was what you instilled in us all, which makes us the lucky ones. You loved us all in your special way, which makes us the lucky ones. You did not spare the rod and demanded respect from us all, which makes us the lucky ones. You demonstrated how to turn nothing into something, which makes us the lucky ones. You kept your dwelling clean and believed in leaving any and everything better than how you found it, which makes us the lucky ones. Last but certainly not least, you believed in God and showed us how to pray which is why WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES.
9/11/24 MLJ
We called her G.G.: G.G. was the best great house to eat!
Malia and Michael
“COOP”:
I met Sara Cooper in the 60's she was the type of person that everyone would fall in love with. I called her "COOP "There are goodbyes for us. You will always be in my heart.
Love Rosa Minter
My Sara Cooper:
My Sara Cooper was an incredible woman! She was a shining light in so many lives which included my life! It was truly an hono be a part of her “medical team”! Sara Cooper had top was impressed by her knowledge of her medications, her medical procedures and especially her providers! My Sara Cooper was th master of turkey and dressing! For several years, she made it for me EVERY Thanksgiving with enough to last through Christmas Her words were, “Barbara put it in the freezer, baby!” She was going to make sure that I got my turkey and dressing even if i that I had to travel for miles, and she was late to her family’s celebration! She anxiously waited for me to call to tell her delicious it was and that I couldn’t wait until next year! That is the determination my Sara Cooper had, and I absolutely LOV I am going to miss my Sara Cooper and my turkey and dressing but, with some good ole Southern food!
Barbara Stone
Mama Sara:
Words cannot express my gratitude or tell you how much you mean to me. You accepted me into your family, embraced me with all your heart, and loved me wholeheartedly. Thank you not only for raising the woman of my heart but also for loving me like your own.
Tony
I Got You Sara:
Reflecting on my relationship with Sara brings a warm smile to my face, even amidst the sadness of her passing. Sara had this incredible way of knowing just how to navigate her family’s dynamics, and she always trusted me to be her ally when it came to her daughter, Terry. If Sara needed something done, she knew I was the one who could gently nudge Terry into action. It was a bond built on love and understanding, and I cherished being part of their lives in that way.
Cheryl Humphrey
Miss Sara:
Today, it is with a heavy heart and mixed feelings that I bid farewell to one of the most precious persons I have ever met, Sara. I met Miss Sara sixteen years ago. From the beginning, our friendship blossomed into one where she treated me like a son. Miss Sara was a kind, loving, generous and free-spirited woman. She was always smiling and got along with everyone. Her love for me was such that she not only introduced me to her family but made it her duty to welcome me to partake in meals at her home during special holiday celebrations, especially Thanksgiving. The love was mutual, so when it was possible she would visit my house to celebrate various holidays as well. Miss Sara was also an encourager, not only to me but to all with whom she came in contact. She loved her family and did everything in her power to make them comfortable and happy. Today there is an empty place in her home but the love she showered on all who met her will always stay in our hearts. I will always love you.
Christopher Crossfield
Sara:
I call your name, a historical name. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross. For you see, Sara has been a blessing in my life. As a young single mother, I was able to witness a Godly and noble woman who exemplified grace, and beauty, while giving unselfishly to her family, Thank you for letting me see that I too could be the beacon of light for my family and children. What a rarity! Sara, I call your name! Forever in my heart. Love you for eternity. Lera
Lincoln Cemetery & Mausoleum
2275 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Greater Springfield Baptist Church 721 Jones Avenue NW Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Michael Cooper Ronald Cooper
Michael L. Jones Dhikar Maolud Hakim Maolud Tony L. Owens
Valerie Binion
Jazmin Cooper
Eboni Cooper
Christian May Crear
Exmeka Edmondson Arielle Jones Lera Middlebrooks
The family of Sara Ann Cooper is grateful for your comforting words and genuine acts of kindness extended to us during the homegoing of our precious loved one. We realize how truly blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and relatives during times like these. Your expressions of love will always be remembered. May God continue to shower blessings on you and your loved ones.
Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30310
404-758-1731
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