Mava Jean

Cooper

Mava Jean Adams Cooper was born on March 18,1927, in Roscoe, Texas. She grew up in Roscoe and remained there most of her adult life after her marriage to J. B. Cooper, Jr. on June 15, 1957. Prior to that time, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Texas Women's University and went on to earn her Master's Degree in social work from Tulane University in New Orleans. As a single woman, she pursued a career in social work in California, Arkansas, and finally Lubbock. Although she had started kindergarten and graduated high school with J.B., their relationship did not officially move beyond friendship until they were in their early 30s. After they wed, Mava happily settled in to being a farmer's wife and mom of three daughters. She also poured herself into many other activities such as Girl Scouts, church work, and board positions in various organizations.

In whatever venture she became involved, Mava always seemed to rise to a leadership position. Mava lived a beautiful and full life, making an impact on everyone who knew her. She was known for her friendly smile, optimistic attitude, and genuine interest in everyone she met. She happily supported J.B. in all of his pursuits, whether it be farming or politics or traveling for various banking or farm meetings. In turn, J.B. also was fully supportive of all of Mava's interests. He once attended a women's-only conference to hear Mava speak. They built a remarkable life together. They were wise and nurturing parents of their three daughters and encouraged each to follow the path of their individual interest.

Mava remained active even after J.B.'s death when she moved to Abilene from Roscoe. Not only was Mava a leader and an independent woman ahead of her times, she was also an accomplished homemaker. She could cook for 5 or 25 with the same amount of confidence and ease. She was an excellent hostess, always welcoming people into her Roscoe home. She left the door unlocked and told her daughters' friends to just come on in any time. She could whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies in about 20 minutes and put together almost anything for a delicious supper at a moment's notice. She and J.B. also enjoyed being part of a local bridge group for many years.

Mava was compassionate and empathetic; and as a parent of adult children, she remained a good friend but didn't offer advice unless asked. She set a good example for her daughters in every way. She loved sports, especially football, baseball, and golf. She loved her grandchildren and thought her grandsons were probably the smartest and cutest boys around. Even when she was in assisted living and beginning to decline, she was still cheery and friendly to all of her caregivers and neighbors. She didn't complain. She soldiered on, no matter what the circumstances, even when her body failed and her memory faded.

She will be missed greatly. Mava Cooper is survived by daughters Alicyn (Randy) Mayes of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sue (Skip) Cannon of Abilene, and Eileen Hilliard of Lawton, Oklahoma; by sister, Ann Lawrence of Houston and sister-in-law Erika Adams of Lubbock. Her grandsons are Joel (Ruthie) Mayes, Nathan Mayes, Daniel Mayes, Samuel Hilliard, and Joseph Hilliard; her great-grandsonsare Tristan Mayes, Gabriel Mayes, and Micah Mayes.

She is preceded in death by husband J.B., parents R.L. "Loffie" Adams and Margaret Wiman Adams, brother Richard Adams, and son-in-law Jay Hilliard.

A family and friend's visitation will be Friday, November 29, 2024 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater. Graveside Services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Roscoe Cemetery and Memorial Services at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Roscoe with Rev. Kester Smith officiating. Memorials may be made to; Camp Butman, 158 CR 674, Merkel, Texas 79536.