GUNTOWN – Jackie Carolyn Cooper, 80, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday morning, May 10, 2025. She was born May 19, 1944, in Fulton to William Wallace "Jack" and Mary Ruth Keith Jones. Her early years were spent in the Tremont area before moving "Up North" to Zion, Illinois. She graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School. On June 16, 1962, Jackie married Larry Wayne Cooper, a young man from Southern Illinois. They were married 30 years before his sudden death on March 4, 1992.

Jackie's young adult years were devoted to her family. She and Larry welcomed three children, two sons and a daughter, and relocated from the Zion area to Southern Illinois. Jackie worked as a lab technician for over 25 years before retirement. Although she had not lived in Mississippi for over 50 years, her heart never left. She spent her last years in Guntown enjoying her retirement.

Jackie's talents were many. Whether it was cooking a meal fit for a king, sewing a quilt or clothes for her loved ones, growing beautiful flowers and vegetables, or simply offering a listening ear, Jackie exceled at anything she set her mind to do. She was fiercely independent and was a pillar of strength and determination. She loved her family and had a special place in her heart for animals, most recently her rescued cat, Jasper Jones. She leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

Jackie is survived by her daughter, Laura Kathleen "Katie" White; her son, Robert Len "Bob" Cooper; her daughter-in-law, Angel Cooper; three sisters, Linda Elliott, Sharon Osterburg (Bruce), and Debbie Johnson; five grandchildren, Brettan Lane, Derek Wayne, Robert Tyler, Lindsey, Tommy Wayne; eleven great-grandchildren, Riley, Azelea, Ezerah, Hayzel, Daje, Draven, Sunny, Kara, Dax, Dagen, and Drezden; and a host of extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry; her son, John Wayne Cooper; her mother, Mary Ruth Simmons; her father, William W. "Jack" Jones; grandparents, J.C. and Pauline Jones and Riley and Connie Keith; one brother, John Ray Jones; a granddaughter, Kory Jane Cooper; and great-granddaughter, Willow Rayne Monaghan.

Services will be at 5 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton with Bro. Joseph Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until service time.  Jackie will be laid to rest near her beloved mother and grandparents in the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church Cemetery in Tremont.

McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.