Roy Maurice Cooper Sr. 1928 - 2018

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Category: In Memory Of

Published on Saturday, 20 October 2018 16:37

Written by D.V. Lawrence

Roy was born November 11th 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Arthur George Cooper and Edna neovia Cooper. Growing up in New Orleans the Cooper residence on Conti Street was a place known to many as having a revolving door for family food friends and fun.
The memories are countless. With Roy and his seven siblings there was no doubt that love was the Cornerstone of the Cooper household. The family was bonded in Christian values but also knew how to host Great Gatherings.

Like the rest of his siblings, Roy graduated from McDonough number 35 High School. Roy married his childhood friend and Lifelong Love Shirley fontenette. Before leaving New Orleans Roy was introduced to his carpentry trade working closely with his sister Matilda.


 Roy and Shirley with their two children Bilder and Roy junior, moved out west to Los Angeles California. Roy started off working carpentry and was an advocate for unionizing the shop he worked at.   He refined his skills by taking classes at Trade Tech, and making furniture for the house, including the kitchen table that is still used. Ultimately he retired as head Carpenter from Beverly Hills School District. Roy's carpentry and upholstery continued as his hobby long after his days of punching a clock.

Roy developed a special kind of relationship with all of those he came in contact with. He was very active founding member of the Crescent City Lodge until it dissolved. He loved family, food, gardening and Saturday evenings on good friend Wally's weekly neighborhood porch gatherings, drinking wine and contributing to conversation and stories with his neighbors. He taught all of his grandkids how to whistle, yo-yo, play Pitty Pat and make and fly a kite. He enjoyed being taught by his great-granddaughter how to play Go Fish correctly.


Roy Sr. Big Roy, pops, Grandpa, Gramps,Unc, was kind caring and always smiling. He loved to dance, and did so until his bow legs grew too weary. Roy is survived by his wife Shirley his children and their spouses, grandchidren, great grandchild and nieces and nephews.  Roy will truly be missed. As his wife said "my husband loved life to the fullest and lived it happily." He was truly a blessing in all our lives.

reprinted from his memorial service