Pearlie Mae Cooper

Pearlie Mae Walden Cooper was born on January 9, 1927, in Garysburg, Halifax County, North Carolina, to the late Hannis and Bettie Mae Walden. As the only daughter among five brothers, Pearlie Mae embraced her faith early in life, being baptized and becoming a member of Chapel Grove Missionary Church in Garysburg. After graduating high school, she pursued higher education at North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University), earning a degree in Business Administration. It was during her time there, in 1947, that she proudly joined the Alpha Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Following her graduation, Pearlie Mae relocated to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she began her career of service. While working as a waitress, she met her late husband, Lynell E. Cooper, Sr. Their union was solemnized at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, and together they had two children: Lynell E. Cooper, Jr., and Gwendolyn Cooper. Pearlie Mae's dedication to community service flourished during her work with the Portsmouth Housing Authority. She eventually became the manager of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation, serving neighborhoods such as Dales Homes, Jeffrey Wilson Homes, and Swanson Homes. Her infectious smile and willingness to assist families in need endeared her to the community, where she was often found engaging with children, playing baseball, walking the various neighborhoods with pep in her step and spreading kindness. Later, Pearlie joined Noble Street Baptist Church on November 1, 1951, where she devoted her time over five decades to service as part of the Pastoral Aide and Missionary auxiliary committees. Her involvement extended to Meals on Wheels, Women’s Ministry, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and the Prayer Warriors Ministry. Her warm personality was reflected in her affectionate terms for others, such as “Sugar Lump,” “Pumpkin,” “Dear,” “Puddin’” and “Sweet’nam,” as well as her kindness in receiving car rides while walking or riding the bus around Portsmouth. Pearlie Mae leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, including her daughter-in-law, Sheila Cooper of Dallas, TX; a sister-in-law, Jean Walden, of Raleigh, NC; five grandchildren, Monica Cooper of Colorado Springs, CO; Lisa Cooper Collins (Darnell) of Petersburg, VA; Christopher Cooper (Antares) of Dallas, TX; Melissa Cooper Fennell Daniel (Detrick) of Charlotte, NC; and Jared Pearson of Los Angeles, CA; four great-grandchildren, Farasha, Dakotah, Kühl, and Cooper; one great-great-grandson, Jerome; five nieces, six nephews, and numerous cousins. Her extended family at Commonwealth Senior Living - Churchland House also mourns her loss. She was preceded in death by her parents; her five brothers, Oscar, James, William, Earl, and J.C.; her parents-in-law, Jesse and Rosa Mae Cooper; her ex-husband, Lynell E. Cooper, Sr.; her son, Lynell E. Cooper, Jr.; her daughter, Gwendolyn Cooper; and her adoptive daughter, JoAnne Shaw Henigan. Pearlie Mae Walden Cooper's legacy is one of love, faith, service, and community—touching the hearts of all who knew her.

Pearlie Mae Cooper

January 9, 1927 - March 27, 2025