Life began for Brenda K. Cooper-The Queen “B” on August 18, 1948 in Waverly, KY, where she was born to Mary Parker and the late Thomas Parker. The Parker Family relocated to Danville, Illinois in 1953, were Brenda attended Schlarman Academy Schools. In Danville is where she also met and later married the Love of her Life, the late Robert Cooper. Brenda moved to Champaign, Illinois in 1967. She was employed by Kraft & Humko Products for over 25 years, during which time she gained several lifelong friends.
Brenda enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and being the host of family cookouts. She had a love for music, dancing, and all the fine things life offered. And she loved Bingo! Brenda was an adamant bowler, participating in several bowling leagues throughout her life. She enjoyed having tea parties with her granddaughters and nieces, and made sure all her girls had tea sets for Christmas and/or birthdays. Brenda never met a stranger and was a beacon of light to everyone she knew. She loved helping others in any way that she could.
On January 6, 2022, Brenda Cooper transitioned from this earth and left behind her love and memories for all to cherish. She leaves behind her dear mother Mary Parker. Three sons, whom she loved unconditionally-Robert Cooper, Tyrone Cooper (Lisa) and Michael Cooper, and the daughter she never had, but grew to love-Salena Gordon. Brenda also leaves behind four brothers-Thomas Parker (Susie), Michael Parker, Theodore Parker (Elaine) and Darren Parker. Six sisters-Beverly Isom, Jackie Klebenow (Joe), Yolanda Jackson (Jeff), Brinnie, Vicky and Kathy Smith. Eleven grandchildren-Ashley Cooper, Brandon Cooper, Aaron Cooper, Cortney Cooper, Tiara Cooper, Brea K. Cooper, Keyana Cooper, Shalavondria Crowley, Takeya Cooper, Angelica Pearson, and Michaela Cooper. 10 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones. And a very, very dear friend Mr. Percy Gordon.
Brenda is preceded in death by her father Thomas Parker, two sisters Gladys Martin and Elizabeth Payne-Huckaby (Eldridge), and one brother Damon Parker. Brenda was a beautiful and loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother, and friend.
A Celebration of Life service will commence at 4:00pm, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Leek & Sons 1215 W. Bradley Ave., in Urbana, IL. Visitation will be begin at 3:00pm until the start of the service at 4:00pm.
Repass will follow after service at 302 N. Neil St., in downtown Champaign.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:7
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