of Benton, AR

Betty ''Nelle'' McMahan Cooper, of Benton, passed into the eternal, loving arms of her Savior in her 101st year of life. She was born in Trumann, to William McNulty and Claira Elizabeth Turner McMahan.

Nelle was born in a home on the land of sharecroppers and lived every day of her life after that to the fullest. Her 101 years on earth was filled with much fun, laughter, and even more love. She loved her children, but she came to life when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren walked in the room. She was devoted to her husband of 68 years before he passed away in 2010. Nelle was the first teacher with Civitan Services and had the first classroom in a school setting for Special Education students in Benton. Her caring and attentive heart made her someone who would love anyone, especially children. You could often find her tending to vegetable gardens and watching sports, especially the Razorbacks. Her spunky personality shone bright, as you rarely encountered a conversation without laughter and a lot of fun. Nelle was a dedicated Christian and attended church every time the doors were open when she was able. Her life and spirit exemplified how Christ called His people to be, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her, knew just that. She will be missed but her memory will be cherished, and her legacy will continue through those who loved and cared for her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Preston Cooper, Sr., two brothers, Guy McMahan and Archie McMahan, and two sisters, Hester Parr and Betty Jean McMahan.

Nelle is survived by her sons, Dr. Preston Cooper Jr. and wife, Lori, and Dr. Jim Cooper and wife, Barbara; two daughters, Betty Wall and husband, Dick, and Debbie Gatewood and husband, David; ten very well-loved grandchildren, David Cooper Wall and wife, Katie, Holly Wall, Marian Thompson and husband Art, Will Cooper, Caitlin Cooper, Rachael Metcalf and husband Clay, Cooper Gatewood and partner, Sebastian, Tyler Preston Cooper and wife, Katie, Mitchell Cooper and wife, Celeste, and Laura Nelle Cooper; ten great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends.

A Funeral Service will be Monday, June 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Benton Selph Hall. Visitation will be an hour prior to service time, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2021 in Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home
6700 Alcoa Road
Benton, AR  72019
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com