Stephen Mozley Cooper

Steve was born Dec. 14, 1945 in Rome, GA to the late James Wallace Cooper, Sr. and Jewell Elizabeth Mozley Cooper. He was also preceded in death by a brother James Wallace Cooper, Jr.

In addition to living in Rome, GA, Steve spent his youth in Danville, VA and Tarboro, NC. During those years, he was active in scouting and received the Eagle Scout award. A graduate of North Carolina State University, he was a man of varied talents whose professional life was spent as an engineer, accountant, and purchasing agent.

A smart and exceptionally talented person, Steve played the piano and organ, was a professional tenor soloist in Raleigh, NC as well as volunteer in church choirs for over 50 years. He built furniture, created backyard landscaping and exquisite paintings, and made cheese straws coveted by the lucky recipients of his gifts. Steve was an active member of churches wherever he and Melva lived – Eden, Hickory, Charlotte and Newton, NC - serving on various committees, and he was an ordained Deacon in the Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed working with the Civitan Club in Eden and Kiwanis Club in Hickory. Additionally, he was blessed with a quick, sarcastic wit that was loved by most and questioned by some. It was easy to know his opinion on any subject. Steve was also passionate in his love for Melva, for family and for many friends and adopted family members – especially the children in his life. His family and friends loved him back.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Melva Hailman Cooper of the home; his brother Alan Wynn Cooper and brother-in-law Richard Louis Balducci of Baltimore, MD; his sister Catherine Lane Cooper of Charlotte, NC; niece Alice Williamson Jones (Heath) and great niece Jewell of Raleigh, NC; nephew Samuel Cooper Williamson (Linda) and great nephews and niece, Bennett, Clara and Maxwell of Peachtree City, GA; and beloved godchildren, semi-adopted children, and neighbor children and families.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Newton, NC on Thursday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. David Roquemore officiating.

A gathering of friends will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Steve’s memory may be made to the Benevolent or Spiritual Life Fund of United Church Homes & Services Foundation, 100 Leonard Avenue, Newton, NC 28658; The Mission or Music Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 701 N. Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658; or a charity of your choice.