Mrs. Catherine Cooper

Catherine Cooper, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. Age 89 years. She was born September 4, 1933 in Maben, Mississippi to Anderson and Josie Heard.

Catherine married the love of her life, Haywood Cooper, who affectionately called her Bonnie, on May 25, 1951. Later, they relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where she was employed by Vlasic Foods until her retirement in June 1995.

Catherine was a humble person who chose to remain in the shadow, never wanting the attention to be put on her. She was a hard worker, strong and generous to all in need. She was gracious and always considered the thoughts and feelings of others before her own. She would greet you with a beautiful smile, always welcoming, never taking others for granted. Even at the sickest point of her illness, she continued to manifest the love and kindness embedded in her heart.

Catherine shouldered many responsibilities being the oldest of thirteen children. At an early age, she learned to cook, clean, sew, quilt, garden, and upholstery. These abilities became hobbies that continued throughout her life. She especially loved flowers. You could find Catherine happily working in her flower bed late in the evenings. Catherine was also an excellent seamstress. She made clothes and performed alterations for her family as well as many in the community.

Out of all her endeavors, most of all, Catherine loved being a servant for Jehovah. She was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness, on February 18, 1973. Her love for people, community, neighbors and friends encouraged her to begin her journey as a pioneer, devoting 70-plus hours monthly to preaching and teaching from door to door to all who would listen. She loved the ministry. She loved spending time with her spiritual brothers and sisters. She studied with and instilled in her seven children God’s Word, the Bible. Later, she even encouraged her husband, Haywood, who proudly assisted in the building of the Kingdom Hall on South Outer Drive. Catherine’s favorite scripture: Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that Jehovah is good.” She continued by saying, “You will never regret it.”

Catherine is survived by her seven children: Lois Ann (Wade) Parker of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Mary Anne (Leon) Washington of Saginaw, Michigan, Sharon Marie Cooper of Saginaw, Michigan, Kim Ellen Wells of Mint Hill, North Carolina, Regina Fay (James) Cooper-Stinson of Davie, Florida, Ronald Edward (Fatima) Cooper of Romulus, Michigan, Wanda Sue (Collins) Washington of Saginaw, Michigan.

Grandchildren: Shalena (Everton) Simmonds, Tyra Cooper, Mekele (Marquetta) Cooper, James Wells, Ashlee Washington, Jerrell Cooper, Ronald Cooper II, Monyata (Alan) Butler, Gregory (Steffany) Taylor, Kuawana Taylor, and Terrell Taylor.

Great-Grandchildren: Sabrina Robertson, Jayden Cooper, Jayla Cooper, Willow Cooper, Tyler Cooper, Mekaela Cooper, Jaylin Cooper, Marlon Barnett Jr., Marcelle Barnett, Marianna Lashay Barnett, Ezekiel Zen Cooper, Abigail Wells, and Armani Wells. 

Siblings: Mary Helen Johnson, Starkville, Mississippi, Ola Mae Bowdry, Grenada, Mississippi, Josephine Kincaide, Maben, Mississippi, Willie James (Gloria) Herd, Saginaw, Michigan, Eddie Rufus (Regina) Heard, Rockford, Illinois, John Anderson (Annie) Heard, Maben, Mississippi, Tommie (Peggy) Heard, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Jimmy (Cheryl) Herd, Saginaw, Michigan. She is also survived by a host of other family members and friends.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Haywood Cooper; parents, Anderson and Josie Lee Heard; grandson, Marlon Jareese Barnett; brothers, Joe Louis Herd, Robert Heard, Anderson Heard, Jr. (AJ); sister, Lucille Heard; uncles, William Owens, Rufus Owens, and Sim Owens; nephews, Payton Herd "Neil," and Ron Kincaide; sisters-in-law, Ella Heard, and Mae Bell Jones; brothers-in-law, Monroe Johnson, Roy Lee Cooper, Elmer Cooper, and Marcella Bowdry; and son-in-law, Daniel J. Wells.

The family would like to express special thanks to all for the love, support, prayers and words of kindness. A special thanks to the caregivers who lovingly took such good care of Catherine. We are forever grateful.