Shirley Ann Cooper of Laurel went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 1 surrounded by her children. Born in Laurel, Delaware on July 11, 1936, she was the daughter of the late William and Lily Massey (Hitchens). She is survived by her two sons, Alton Cooper Jr. (Debbie), Richard Cooper (Wanda), and her daughter Betty Passwaters (Norman), son-in-law William Bailey, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Alton Cooper Sr. “Henny”, in 2003, her daughter Sharon Bailey in 2018, and her two beloved sisters.
Shirley spent most of her life raising children and chickens in Laurel. She was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan and Washington Redskins fan. She enjoyed spending time with her family, listening to live music and eating out at her favorite restaurants. She will be greatly missed, but her family has found comfort knowing she has been reunited with her loved ones.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 11 a.m.-noon at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956 on Friday, Nov. 6. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing will be required. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Laurel. Pastor Rebecca Rollins will officiate. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Delaware.