In Loving Memory of Odessa Cooper

Odessa Cooper, affectionately known as “Bay,” was a trailblazer whose impact was measured not by public recognition, but in the hearts and lives of the countless people she touched. Odessa was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and cherished friend whose life was defined by courage, generosity, and an extraordinary sense of adventure. She charted new courses in ways that were not always high-profile, but were undeniably high-impact. Through her dedication to education, her determination to forge her own path, and the love she shared so freely, Odessa was a “hidden figure” with a visible impact, reflected in the indelible mark she left on her loved ones and in an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Born on July 7, 1941, Odessa was the third of ten children born to Lula Elizabeth Perry and Andrew Jefferson Perry. Raised in a large family, she developed a strong sense of both commitment to loved ones and a fierce independence that would become defining characteristics throughout her life. When Odessa set her mind to something, she was unstoppable. She was a fearless explorer with a passion for discovering the world, and a bold traveler who was never afraid to step outside her comfort zone. She broke barriers, created opportunities, and opened doors for herself and those who came after.

A Trailblazer in Education on a Bold Journey West

Odessa was a true pioneer. The first in her family to attend college, she graduated from Kent State University around 1963 and later earned a master’s degree. With courage and determination, she boarded the Amtrak Zephyr from Cleveland, Ohio, to San Bernardino, California, a place she had only seen on television. Odessa’s trailblazing spirit led her to yet another first: she became the first African-American teacher in the San Bernardino, California school district, setting an example for what was possible for others as the civil rights movement swept across the country.

Education was more than a profession for Odessa; it was a calling. As a reading specialist, she devoted more than 30 years to teaching elementary school students, spending her entire career in inner-city schools teaching one of life’s most essential skills. She understood that children’s circumstances should never determine the limits of their potential. Her impact was measured not simply in years of service or professional milestones, but in the children she encouraged, the minds she helped shape, and the possibilities she helped unlock.

Raising a Family

California became home for much of her adult life. There, she married the love of her life, Charles Edward Cooper, and together they raised their beautiful children, Charles Edward Cooper Jr. and Kimberly Joyce Cooper. Odessa built a life grounded in family, hard work, and the belief that with preparation and perseverance, new possibilities were always within reach. Eventually, Odessa moved to Virginia to be closer to her daughter, grandson, and son-in-law, bringing with her a lifetime of memories, wisdom, and love.

A World of Adventure

If education was Odessa’s calling, discovery was her passion. Travel brought her tremendous joy. Retirement did not slow down her curiosity; instead, it opened a new chapter of exploration. Odessa traveled to nearly every state and to more than 20 countries, embracing opportunities to experience places and cultures beyond her own. From Canada to Cuba, Switzerland to South Africa, and Spain to Singapore, her daring international adventures were too many to count.

Odessa did not simply visit these places; she celebrated them. She proudly collected a T-shirt and a magnet from every country she visited, creating a personal collection of treasured reminders of her adventures. Each souvenir represented another place explored, another experience enjoyed, and another memory added to a richly lived life.

The Joy Was in the Details

Odessa found happiness in both life’s big adventures and its simple pleasures. She loved to see flowers bloom, the sweet taste of vanilla ice cream, the creativity of the performing arts, literary treasures including the Bible and, of course, shopping lots of shopping! She was also an enthusiastic Jazzercise devotee, enjoying the music and movement of her favorite workout.

Her sweet smile soothed restless spirits, her zest for life inspired others to dream bigger, and her sense of humor lifted the heaviest of hearts. One of her favorite sayings, borrowed from her Uncle Eddie, captured her practical wisdom and trademark humor: “Getting old is alright, but it sho’ is inconvenient!” Her light-hearted, gentle demeanor was balanced by a fiercely independent spirit. She could be as sweet as could be until someone tried to tell her what she could or could not do! That combination of warmth, humor, and determination made Odessa uniquely herself.

But more than anything, Odessa was a generous soul. With Odessa, love was an action verb; she showed up, she gave, and she was always there, no matter what. The best part of Odessa was the God within her, which was reflected in every word and deed. While some may not have seen the extra time she invested in children, and others may have been unaware of her professional accomplishments, no one could miss the Christian spirit that emanated from the sparkle in her eye, the sweetness of her smile, and the steadfast commitment to the lives of others.

Her Legacy

Above all, Odessa loved, and she was loved deeply in return. She leaves behind her beloved children, Charles Edward Cooper Jr. and Kimberly Joyce Cooper (Ronald Hart Jr.); her grandchildren, Marcel Cooper and Ronald Hart III; her sisters, Linda Sanders of Cleveland, Ohio, and Allison Perry Akens of Houston, Texas (Fred Akens); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Cooper, her parents, Lula Elizabeth Perry and Andrew Jefferson Perry, and her siblings: Ilester White, Robert James Perry, Larry Perry, Barbara Joyce Houseworth, and Andrea Renee Kent.

Although we mourn her loss today, the lessons of Odessa’s life will stand the test of time: Be courageous enough to take the journey, independent enough to choose your own path, generous enough to lift others along the way, and curious enough to keep discovering the world. Odessa lived fully. She loved unconditionally. She blazed trails quietly, but powerfully.

May this devoted servant, who never sought fanfare or recognition, rest in peace as angels rejoice and trumpets resound to welcome her triumphantly into heaven, celebrate a life well-lived, and surround her with a love as boundless as the love she gave.