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.
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23 Condolence(s)
Mary Chenault Riggin
Friday, June 18, 2021
Betty, Preston Jr. (Sonny), Jim, and Debbie, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of your family, especially your Mom as she was my second grade teacher. The Cooper family was such as part of my life for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark & Karen Jones
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Thoughts and prayers for all of you today and in the days to follow. May God place his comforting arms around you during this time of sorrow.
Susan Beshears
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Prayers for your family as you deal with the loss of your Mom. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.
Buddy and Debbie Payton
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Your Mom was loved dearly and will be missed. What a blessing she was.
Jananne Reding
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
What a full life!! Your mom always seemed so full of energy , hope and faith. And, that smile! What she shared with you will never be lost.
Jananne
jananne bivens reding
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
What a wonderful woman! Your mom always seemed so full of energy, hope and faith. And, that smile!! The gifts she shared with you will never be lost!
Jananne
Nicki Tuttle
Monday, June 7, 2021
Your Mom was such an inspiration. I know she will be missed but there are many great memories.
Dennis Edwards
Monday, June 7, 2021
I am praying for you guys!
I have really good memories of both your parents and also you guys and gals as well.
I know you have really special memories of your Mom during this difficult time.
Praying for peace and comfort for each of you.
Cathy Crouch Holcomb
Monday, June 7, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mom from school, and when I worked for you.
Your mom was a wonderful person, and an awesome cook! I made her squash casserole last week. I always think of her when I make it. The recipe is handwritten by her.
Preston you interviewed me for the job at your parent's house. I have a lot of sweet memories that revolve you and your family. I love all of you.
Gary Robbins
Monday, June 7, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Cooper. She was such a sweet lady. We had so many wonderful moms in our neighborhood growing up. My prayers are with you all.
Rhonda Long
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Preston,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. I know you will miss her greatly but be comforted at the same time, just knowing she is in the arms of the Lord and reunited with your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Young
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Loved having lunch with Nelle and my mom and others at the Senior Center. Nelle was always so kind and caring toward everyone.
David and Melanie White
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Our deepest condolences to your family. May the peace of God comfort and give you perfect peace.
Dennis C. Kent, Ph.D.
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Preston. I'm so sorry for you, Jim's, Betty's, and Debbie's loss. Ms. Nelle was such a Blessing to you, your family, and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as always. As a young child attending FBC, I so much enjoyed your mom's presence in Sunday school. She was such an inspiration to us all She is loved and will be missed by so many of us. Blessings.
Dwan Bailey (Libby Brisbin Bailey’s daughter)
Sunday, June 6, 2021
I’m sorry to hear of Mrs. Cooper‘s passing. I have many fond memories of her and her family. She was a wonderful lady and loved by so many. Prayers for the family.
Jackie Homan
Sunday, June 6, 2021
We go back many years with your family and loved and respected your mom and dad so very much. They were very special people.
We watched you children grow up to be fine adults. Thank you for the things you have done for us.
May God bless you at this sad time. Jack and Jackie Homan
Lisa Freeman wagner
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Mrs. Cooper was my favorite teacher growing up. I would ride my bike to her house and she always welcomed me with open arms and we would sit on the porch and have a snack. I’m so sorry for your loss but she will be forever in ours hearts.
Brenda Green
Sunday, June 6, 2021
I have so many memories with Mrs.Cooper . And she will be with me forever because of all I learned from her. I do cherish her love and kindness to me. She was like my second mother. I’ll be praying for the Cooper family.
Ken & Jo Young Young
Sunday, June 6, 2021
Sorry for the passing of this sweet lady. I know she will be missed by the many whose lives she touched.
Erma Bridges
Saturday, June 5, 2021
She was such a beautiful lady inside and out. I have known the family for many years. I know she will be greatly missed by her family but her husband Preston was there to greet her in heaven. Prayers for her loving family
Michelle
Saturday, June 5, 2021
She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I’m blessed to have known her.
Teresa Tiner
Saturday, June 5, 2021
I’m so sorry for u loss. I loved her very much.
Kay Hankins
Saturday, June 5, 2021
I have known Mrs. Cooper since 1979. She was my daughter’s teacher & was my swimming buddy for years! I have lots of memories of her I’ll treasure until I see her again in heaven. I know there was rejoicing when she arrived “Homeâ€. God bless her precious family & comfort them.