Carolyn Cooper, 79

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Carolyn Cooper, 79, of Coffeen, died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at Hillsboro Area Hospital.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Vandalia with the Rev. Tom Goodell, pastor, officiating.  Cremation rites were accorded, and inurnment will be in the church columbarium.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the church until service time. Toberman-Dean Funeral Home in Coffeen is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Cooper was born on May 4, 1942, in Crab Orchard to William Everette “W.E.” and Mildred B. (Hastings) Wharry.  A 1959 graduate of Crab Orchard High School, she married John William “Bill” Cooper on Nov. 23, 1962, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Paulton, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 2018.

As a pastor’s wife, she moved along with her husband as they served many communities throughout Illinois.  She worked for Country Companies Insurance, and as City Clerk for Coffeen.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Vandalia.

She is survived by two children, Terri Lynn Drees of Trenton, and John William (wife Peggy) Cooper Jr. of Coffeen; six grandchildren, George (wife Jamie) Timmermann of Mascoutah, Jamie (husband Travis) Blumhorst of New Baden, Joseph (husband Bobby) Drees-Douglas of Highland, Tyler (wife Jamie) Cooper of Coffeen, Colby (wife Tara) Cooper of Gillespie, and Kerriann (husband Nick) Reeder of Coffeen; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Harold Everette Wharry, Colleen Mausey, and Marlene Bailey.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia.  Send condolences online to tobermandeanfh.com.