Florine
Florine Cooper Watkins
d. April 9, 2011
Born in Winchester, KY and raised in Lexington, KY, Flo was the daughter of the late Asa Bush and Louella Monroe Sidwell. She was a beautiful, vivacious, and ambitious child. She loved music and dancing, and despite growing up during the depression era, Flo attended Stratford College in Danville, VA.She completed her college degree at the University of Chattanooga, majoring in literature. While there she met and fell in love with Henderson native, Jimmy Crawford Cooper, Jr.They were married in 1942. While Jimmy Jr. served in Africa and Italy during WWII, Flo gave birth to a young son, Jim C. Cooper III.After the war, the family reunited, and settled in Henderson where Jimmy Cooper Jr. practiced law until his untimely death in 1972.
Having been a mother, homemaker, and active in the Henderson community most of her adult life, Flo became the house mother for the Delta Delta Delta Sorority at UNC Chapel Hill in 1974.One of her proudest achievements was to be tapped as an honorary member of this sorority at her departure.Her little long haired Chihuahua, Puff, was the sorority mascot.She returned to Henderson and in 1979, married Meredith M. Watkins of Henderson. They greatly enjoyed themselves, traveling and spending time with their families. After Merediths death, Flo continued with her numerous long time associations and with friends including the Garden Club and the Alma Club.She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, the Henderson Country Club, and was an avid bridge player.
Flo is survived by her three children, son, James C. Cooper III and his wife JoAnn of Tryon, NC, daughters Jane Cooper Chambers of Atlantic Beach, FL, and Nancy Parham Cooper and her partner Sandy Dixon of Burlington, NC; three grandchildren, Jerry Cooper, Scott Cooper, and Chris Rhyne, and four great- grandchildren.Also, Flo is survived by long time family friend and caretaker, Emma V. Baskerville whose love and compassionate devotion helped keep the entire family happy and healthy for decades. In addition to her husbands, Flo was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Sidwell Pike, and two grandchildren, James C. Cooper IV and Annesa Cooper.
Flo leaves behind two step children, Sally Watkins and husband Steve, Tom Watkins and wife Cathy; nieces Ann Sidwell Pike, Lucy Cooper Gilliam Gray and husband Butch, Ellen Cooper Dickerson and husband Roger, Emily Cooper Boyd and husband Tim, Willie Parker Gilliam Thomas and husband Bo; and a nephew Sterling Gary Gilliam and wife Jona.
The family would like to thank caregiver Agnes Gibbs and the many people at Britthaven Convalescent Center for the care they provided.
A private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.Following the burial, a memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 16th at 3:00pm. Following the service and at various other times, the family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina 721 Tucker St., Raleigh NC 27603.
Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.
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