Life's Journey of Mother Cassie Cooper

Mother Classie Cooper departed this life on Tuesday February 13, 2024, in Mansfield, Texas at Texas Health Mansfield Hospital. She was born March 17, 1926, in Ouachita County in Stephen Arkansas. She was the daughter of Will and Minnie Sams; both preceded her in death. She was born 13 of 14 children, 8 brothers and 5 sisters: Willie Ed Sams, Guster Sams, Pledge Sams, James Sams, Roland Sams, Rosco Sams, John Houston Sams, Lee Ivory Sams, Idellie, Flora, May Lizzie, Elnora and Bessie; all which preceded her in death. Classie was married three times, her first marriage was to Henry Alexander in 1947, she married Otis Browning in 1960, and the last she married Johnny Cooper in 1991, all proceeded her in death.

As a young girl she attended school at Sunday Ridge, she completed 8th grade, she later moved to Buckner Arkansas working in the Hotel business later move to Stamps Arkansas then Camden, Arkansas. Classie had 6 children Autry Sams, Melvin Hansen, Lloyd, Henry and Alexander whom all preceded her in death, Cathy Cheeks, Gertha Browning and Willie Alexander (Diane). Classie also adopted two of her grandchildren Catheryn Roschell Browning and Felishia Browning.  Classie worked many jobs: hotel worker, private home health, production worker, Ouachita County Medical Center food services until she retired in 1988.  Classie was no stranger to work she did her Christian work as well where she joined Macedonia Baptist Church until she moved to Texas with her son Willie and daughter in law Diane, on February 11, 2009, until her death on February 13, 2024.

You wouldn't have thought that she had only an 8th grade education, Big Mama Classie was smart, articulate and had a very sharp mind, she could remember things from ways back you would have thought she had a master's degree. To know her was to love her. Big Mama hobbies were working cross word puzzles and watching game shows.

Classie leaves behind to cherish her memory one son Willie Alexander (Diane) of Arlington, Texas; two daughters: Gertha Browning and Cathy Cheeks both of Camden, Arkansas; 23 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, 27 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, a community of relatives and friends.