Mrs. Rachel E. Cooper

(May 11, 1920 - August 21, 2024)

It is with deepest sympathy Godfrey Funeral Home announces Mrs. Rachel Evelyn Herring Cooper, 104, of Hahira, Georgia, passed away at her home on August 21, 2024. She was the daughter of Adam Columbus Herring and Rachel Edwards Herring. After the death of her mother, Rachel (from the age of nine) and her siblings were raised by their grandparents, Hardy Herring and Martha Roundtree Herring.

While growing up, she lived in many places in Lowndes, Cook, and Berrien counties. She attended school in all three counties, but she settled in Lowndes County and graduated from high school there. Afterwards, she attended Savannah State College for two years but her marriage to Robert Eugene Cooper in 1945 cut her college career short. She settled in Hahira, where she raised their four children, taught school without a degree during a teacher shortage, and helped her husband on the farm. Later, she received a Bachelor's degree from Savannah State College and a Master's degree from Valdosta State College, both in education. Many of her former students still live in Lowndes County and remember her fondly. She ended her teaching career at Hahira Elementary School.

She taught in-home bible studies as well as secular matters and was responsible for leading many people to Christ. When she could no longer drive, she stayed connected to people by making phone calls and sending cards to encourage those who needed it. When anyone asked her for the secret to living a long life, she would reply, "My parents taught me to do what is right, work hard and live a clean life. But, most importantly, it is the grace of God."

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert; three brothers and their wives, Adam Columbus Herring, Jr (Sarah), Chester Herring (Katherine), Willie James Herring (Nancy); two sisters and their husbands, Iretha Evans (Lonnie), Annie Sanders (Robert); and two sons-in-law, John Wesley Johnson and John Henry Clay.

She is survived by two daughters: Gloria Jean Johnson of Mableton, GA and Deborah Cooper Clay of Hahira, GA; two sons: Robert Eugene Cooper, Jr. (Cathy) of Springfield, VA and Roger Everett Cooper (Vivienne) of San Diego, CA; one brother-in-law: O.B. Miley (Linda) of Malone, FL; two sisters-in-law: Hattie Thomas of St. Petersburg, FL, and Perlie Smith of Jacksonville, FL; five grandchildren: Maurice Everett Cooper (Vanessa) of Juneau, AK, Karina Cooper of Hampton, VA, John Henry Clay, II (Beverly) of Altadena, CA, and Pearl Leanna Clay of Altadena, CA; four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, three great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and her Newsome Street Church of Christ family.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mrs. Rachel E. Cooper will be Saturday, August 31, 2024, 3:00 p.m., at East Park Church of Christ, 106 E. Park Street, Hahira, GA 31632.

Elder Gene Godfrey will be officiating. Mark Kirland is Minister.

Interment will take place at a later date at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens, 3945 N. Valdosta Road, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Public viewing will be Friday, August 30, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Godfrey Funeral Home, Valdosta, GA.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net.

Professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.

Masks are required to wear during the Celebration of Life as well as the public viewing.