Durwood Morris Cooper, Sr.

Durwood M. Cooper, Sr.
July 18, 1931 – August 24, 2022

Durwood Morris Cooper, Sr., 91, of Columbia, NC died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Durwood was born in Tyrrell County to the late V. Delton Cooper, Sr. and Beatrice Hopkins Cooper and was raised by the late Herbert and Catherine Hopkins Chaplin.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother V. Delton Cooper, Jr.

Durwood had been married to the love of his life for 70 years, Alma Dean (Cohoon) Cooper.  He grew up attending Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church and later Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Gum Neck where he served in multiple positions and was a faithful member.  Durwood loved farming and his farming family.  He and his wife farmed for more than 50 years together, employing many of the county’s youth during the summer and many others year round which gave him joy.

He was a God-fearing man who loved his family and community greatly; He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He volunteered and supported the Gum Neck Fire Department and EMS, Community Development, and Tyrrell County 4-H.  He served 12 years as a member of the Tyrrell County Board of Education and 12 years as a member of the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners.  Durwood loved people and was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.

He is survived by his wife Alma Dean, daughters Dwan C. Perry and husband Gil, Joy Cooper, Fay C. Davenport and husband Ron, Suzy Cooper, and son Durwood Cooper, Jr.; 6 grandchildren Nannette McCoy, and husband Tommy, Katherine Gallagher and husband Thomas, Frank Perry, III and wife Nancy, Charlene Stone and husband Wade, Kathy Valadez-Oehl and husband Luis, and Ron Davenport, Jr. and wife Emily; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild also survive him.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Saturday August 27, 2022 at the Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia, NC.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Gum Neck;  P.O. Box 77 Columbia, NC 27925 or to the Sound Side Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund;  c/o Tonya Davenport 177 Riverneck Road Columbia, NC 27925

Arrangements by Bryan Funeral Service Columbia