Ella Cooper

Ella Louise Fykes - Cooper was the first child born to the late James Ellis and Lois Mae Duck Fykes on Thursday, September 11, 1941. God sent an angel to escort her to her heavenly home on October 11, 2013.

Ella gave her life to Christ at a very young age. Ella was baptized and attended Sunday school at the Rising Star Baptist church in Palmer Pennsylvania; pastored by the late Rev. Glover. She also ushered for the church services; this was the beginning of her usher ministry.

Through her devotion to her family as the eldest of fourteen siblings, she regularly sent money home to her parents. A loving daughter, sister, mother and wife, Ella was married to the late Willard B. Cooper. Through their union they shared the lives of six children and thirteen grandchildren.

A product of the public schools of Fayette County Pennsylvania, Ella was an outstanding student. She participated in intramural flag football for girls and was the homecoming queen her senior year. She was an honor roll student throughout high school. Academically gifted, upon graduating from German Township High School, Ella took the civil service exam and as a result she was recruited by the federal government. This led to her becoming a personnel specialist for the Department of Labor. She was also employed by the historic Industrial Bank of Washington, D. C., as a teller. She received many commendations and awards throughout her professional career.

For many years Ella served as an usher at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. She was a longtime member of the Interdenominational Church Ushers Association; a membership of which she was most proud. Ella met all the challenges of her life with courage and strength born of her faith in God through Jesus Christ. When her health was failing, Ella continued to attend church and serve as an usher. Those with the strongest character
are tested by God the most. Ella passed each test with grace and poise.

John 14 tells us that Jesus promises us a home that He Himself will prepare for us in His Fathers’ Kingdom. In the book of Revelation, John speaks of a new heaven and a new earth for the old heaven and earth has
passed away. John tells us that God Himself will dwell with us in the tabernacle built for those who believe. He will be our God and we will be His children. This is not goodbye, but rather farewell; we will meet again. On the very last Sunday of her life she drove herself to her beloved Mount Carmel Baptist Church to worship.

Ella leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted daughter Terri L. Cooper, of Maryland, Grandchildren: Charles L. Brown, II of Texas and Marquise T. Brown of Georgia. She also leaves five stepchildren: William Cooper (Darlene) of Pennsylvania, Victoria Gardner (Clifton) of Ohio, Ronald Cooper of California, Donald Cooper of Pennsylvania, and Lydia Cooper of Georgia. Brothers: Richard Fykes (Rita) of Maryland, Robert Fykes of New York, Larry Fykes of Pennsylvania, Keith Fykes (Sandy) of Maryland, Garry Fykes of Maryland;sisters: Janet Fykes (Jesús) of New York, Linda Fykes of Maryland, and Maureen Sessoms of Pennsylvania. Brother in law, Dr. Quincy Cooper (Jean) of Michigan, Sister in law, Barbara Miller of Maryland, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends who will hold her memory dear. She was preceded in death by the following siblings: LJ Fykes (brother), Barbara Jean Fykes (sister), James Fykes (brother), Leroy Fykes (brother), Bruce Fykes (brother), Duane Fykes (brother) and Wanda Fykes (sister).

Even though your physical being departed this life on October 11, 2013, your quiet, unassuming, sweet spirit will remain with us forever. How proud we are to call you Ours! You will be greatly missed by all who really knew you. And thankfully, your love and devotion will sustain us until we join you in life eternal.