Marilyn Ann Cooper
April 15, 2023

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Memorial Service St. Mary's Episcopal Church N Hyatt Street Monticello ,  AR 71655 5/13/2023 at 2:00 p.m. Map & Directions   St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

Marilyn H. Cooper, 87, of Monticello passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Eagle, Idaho. Marilyn was born on February 10, 1936, in Fayetteville, AR to Tom G. and Marguerite C. Hudson. She was a dear friend to many in Monticello, Fayetteville, and beyond and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1954 and went on to attend the Arkansas Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock. After graduation from nurse's training, Marilyn married the love of her life, Glenn M. Cooper on January 24, 1959. As newlyweds they moved to Glenn’s hometown of Monticello and quickly made a full life there, raising their two children and helping those in the community.

Marilyn was a true people person. She connected with people wherever she went and was the happiest when she was surrounded by her many friends. She exemplified hospitality, and the Cooper house was always open for any type of celebration, whether it was just neighborhood kids hanging out, building the floats for MHS Homecoming, prom parties, open houses, photo shoots, and even the occasional fraternity party. She was an exceptional cook and loved being a gracious hostess for any gathering, large or small, and for several years she catered local parties and weddings. Marilyn will always be remembered for her homemade yeast rolls and mouth-watering Delta hot tamales that she made so often for family and friends.

She was a wonderful mother and immersed herself in her children's school and extracurricular activities, cheering on the Billies, and attending every baseball game, choir concert, and dance recital. Marilyn’s friendly and warm presence helped to create many special childhood memories for both her children and their friends.

Marilyn had a heart for others and served the Monticello community in many ways. As a new bride, she was a mentor to local candy stripers, encouraging young women interested in nursing. She was an active member of Monticello Junior Auxiliary for many years. Marilyn was also a founding board member of Options, Inc., an organization that serves victims of domestic violence in southeast Arkansas. She was a stalwart member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and was active for many years as a Lay Reader, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Vestry and Altar Guild.

She is survived by her children, Martin Cooper and wife Dana Cooper of Shawnee, KS and Sarah Doering and husband Bill Doering of Eagle, ID; sisters Jan Conine of Roland, AR and Susan Bryant of San Rafael, CA; and her five beloved grandchildren: Mason Cooper, Natalie Cooper, Will Doering, Drew Doering, and Sean Doering. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, and her parents Tom and Marguerite Hudson.

A memorial service is planned for 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 13th at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Monticello. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 193, Monticello, AR 71657