Joy A. Cooper

Joy A. Cooper, of Norman, Oklahoma passed on March 10, 2023. She was born January 3, 1931 in Picher, Oklahoma. She was predeceased by husband, Frank H. Cooper; parents, Elizabeth and Oscar Phillips; sisters, Mildred Kerr, Mabel (Mame) Irwin, and LaVerne (Babe) Duncan; brothers, Hugh Lee (Butch) Phillips and Fred Phillips. She is survived by her son, Tom Cooper and wife Beth Pepper; daughters, Cathy Cooper and Ann Greenwood and husband Tim Greenwood.

Joy spent her early childhood in Picher, Oklahoma. In the late 1930’s her family moved to Miami, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Miami High School in 1948. On May 17, 1953, Joy married her high school sweetheart, Frank Cooper. In the late 1950’s Joy and Frank moved to Norman, Oklahoma where her husband Frank graduated from University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. After completing his internship and residency, Joy and Frank settled in Norman, Oklahoma with their three children Ann, Cathy, and Tom. She took college courses throughout much of her life. She earned degrees in Finance and Native American studies.

Joy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was a dedicated student at the University of Oklahoma. She was also active in the Norman community volunteering at the University of Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and serving as the first woman Marshall at the University of Oklahoma Golf Club.

She was full of energy, very athletic, and loved outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, hiking, and walks on the beach. Some of Joy’s favorite memories were getting together with her girlfriends and playing bridge, tennis, and golf with them. She began her golfing activities in the 1960’s at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. Her favorite memories were playing golf with her friends at the Norman golf courses (Twin Lake Golf & Country Club, Westwood Park, OU Golf Course, and the Trails). She was an avid reader and loved history.

However, her greatest pleasure was time spent with family. When the children were young, Joy would take them on adventures like hikes to the river and trips to grandma’s house. Once they were older, she planned family trips that were always a pleasure for all. Many memorable trips to visit her Colorado relatives, including many fun Halloweens and Oklahoma vs Colorado football games. She also cherished the many great Thanksgivings with immediate and extended family. She also enjoyed the Christmas Holiday and attending the First Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve music service. Family was so important to her and she sought to keep in touch with her siblings and their children throughout her life.

Joy made the world a better place and she really lived up to her name. She had a very positive attitude and was happy as shown by her many types of whistling bird tunes. She sought to be cheerful and encouraging to most people. She was very caring and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.

Contributions in Joy’s memory may be made to the United Way of Norman, 2424 Springer Drive, Norman, Oklahoma 73069 (405.329.2025) (www.unitedwaynorman.org).