Linda Carole Hess Cooper

Linda Carole Hess Cooper, 82, passed away on October 7, 2022 at Diversicare of Foley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Linda was born on July 21, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. She attended Murphy High School where she was a cheerleader, a champion diver for the Country Club of Mobile, and an avid horseback rider at Bit-n-Spur Riding Academy. After graduation, Linda attended Stephen’s College, a private women’s college in Columbia, Missouri, for two years before transferring to the University of Alabama where she majored in Fashion Merchandising. She was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and was a Bama Belle in 1959. After leaving the University, Linda moved to Manhattan, New York, where she worked for one year before returning to Mobile and being presented as a debutant and a lady in the Mobile Mardi Gras Court in 1961.

Linda was an active member of the Country Club of Mobile, the Junior League of Mobile, the Maids of Mirth Mobile Mardi Gras Organization, and the Krewe of Iris New Orleans Mardi Gras Society. Linda was also a member of Friends of the First Lady under Nancy Reagan, as well as the National Committee for the Performing Arts – John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Linda was an international traveler and used her eye for fashion and interior design throughout her life. She was a very generous person and deeply loved her family, extended family, and many wonderful friends.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Morrell Hess and Juanita “Jo” Keys Hess; Dr. John Coleman O’Gwynn III; and Elvin Grimsley. She is survived by her two children, Linda Leigh O’Gwynn Crawley (Larry), and John Coleman O’Gwynn IV (Kim); five grandchildren, Frank Collier Farnell, Jr, Catherine “Caitlin” O’Gwynn Farnell, Charles "Cullen" Keyes Farnell, Katherine “Katie” Hess O’Gwynn and Kailyn Ellis “Ellie” O’Gwynn; and one brother, Charles Morrill Hess, Jr. (Trudy).

A Celebration of Life and graveside committal service will be held at a later date to be determined.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com for the Cooper family.