Rosemarie Cooper
May 23, 1965 ~ November 8, 2019
Born in:
Moore County, NC
Resided in:
Whispering Pines, NC
ROSEMARIE HOPKINS COOPER
CELEBRATION OF LIFE STORY
MAY 23, 1965 TO NOVEMBER 8, 2019
Rosemarie Hopkins Cooper’s presence brightened the souls of everyone blessed to know her, from her sweet demeanor to her angelic voice that touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to hear her sing.
Rose graced the lives of country boy Dillard O. Hopkins and city girl Peggy Rose Hopkins—who met in their thirties in a dance studio—with her presence on May 23, 1965 in Sanford, NC. Raised as an only child in Cameron, NC, Rose grew up on Hopkins tobacco farm and learned how to operate the large farm with her father who was a fine farmer. Rose’s grandparents, parents and her own family and children have called Cameron Presbyterian Church their home for generations now. There her childhood was framed by fond memories of Christmas programs, covered dish meals, playing the piano, youth events, and many wonderful families who were a great influence on her, and also where her musical gene first flourished, an amazing gift from Rose’s mother (since passed down to daughter Summer).
Rose attended Cameron Elementary and Union Pines High School where she played basketball throughout her youth—in another love introduced by her mom—and even played at Meredith College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies in 1987. High school found her also singing in the choir and participating in student government. You could always see her coming in her bright blue Camaro T-Top with silver seats. Rose was never understated!
Her passions for children, students and teaching defined her career, where she touched thousands of lives, first as a teacher, and later in administration after earning her master’s degree in School Administration at UNC Pembrooke. She loved her roles as assistant principal and principal, but her proudest accomplishment was opening and serving as Principal of Crain’s Creek Middle School for five years, until retirement. Not one to idle long, Rose reemerged as an education consultant, training Special Forces soldiers how to teach at the JFKSWCS at Ft. Bragg, and adored working with her adult military students as well. As a breath of fresh air, Rose took Ft. Bragg by storm in a way you can only imagine when flamingos and camouflage intersect.
However, her life’s greatest joy emerged within her own family, first baby Summer Dare Hennings from an early marriage to Howard Gray Hennings Jr, and then son Matthew Thomas Cooper, following her April 15, 1995 marriage to Colton Matthew Cooper from California. When Colton enlisted in the U.S. Army—with the initial goal of serving four years to purchase a new Harley Davidson and earn college tuition money—they met by sheer accident once he transferred to Ft. Bragg from Hawaii to the 82nd Airborne Division. The two spent twenty-plus years beautifully raising very active children, many times Rose on solo duty with Colton’s responsibilities taking him away.
Colton and Rose shared a palpable bond and a similar zest for life. Once he finally got his Harley, he and Rose enjoyed rides to the mountains or the coast—Rose loved the beach. After Summer and Matthew graduated from college and launched careers in cities further south, the four nevertheless frequently connected, their enjoyment of one another obvious. Additionally, Rose and Colton savored Panthers football, entertaining, heading to the gym, listening to music, nights on the deck, watching fireflies, drinking wine, and their signature endearing swing dance that delighted friends and family.
Thoughtfulness and generosity marked Rose’s life, as did her love of pets, her delicious cooking, her sense of style and her affinity for bright colors, “Everyone needs a little pop of color!” Rose bestowed others with her incredible voice in the choir, and by volunteering wherever needed—most recently in the Carthage Rotary and as chair of the CPC Pastor Nominating Committee.
Over fifty years in Moore County resulted in hundreds of friends and acquaintances, all of whom will miss the radiant smile that lit Rose’s face until her untimely passing due to sudden illness. She is survived by her loving husband Colton Cooper, her daughter Summer Hennings, her son Matthew Cooper, as well as an incredibly extended loving family. The world lost a special woman when Rosemarie Hopkins Cooper took her place in heaven on November 8, 2019.
Interment will be private, but all who loved Rose are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Cameron Presbyterian Church and a visitation on Friday, November 15 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cameron Presbyterian, Crain’s Creek Middle School or Carthage Rotary.
Our beautiful Rose is singing with the angels. Even though I had rather have her singing here with our Cameron Presbyterian Church Choir, I can still here her beautiful voice from heaven. Bless Colton, Summer and Matthew Lord and hold them near you during this very difficult time. Cameron Presbyterian is suffering also and will miss Rose and her awesome presence in our Choir.
We love you Cooper Family and our church Family is right beside you now.
Peace of the Lord Be With You!
Cat McRae
RIP Rose, you were a long life friend and will be missed by all who knew you. Prayers to Colton, Summer, Matt, and the rest of her family and friends.
With our deepest sympathy and prayers! Mrs
Cooper was a wonderful principal at
Carthage Elem. and a great person. It was a pleasure to work with her. She will greatly be missed. Praying for peace for all the family now and the days to come .
Rest in peace my friend! Rose Cooper was my first assistant principal, in the early 2000s. She was as excellent support at Robbins Elementary School. Rose loved her family with her whole heart; because a day didn’t go by without her sharing a story about Colton , Summer or Matt. Colton, my prayer is for God to give you and your family strength. My friend will be missed!
Rest In Peace you where a wonderful lady also great principal to my son
Rose had an incredible spirit and energy. It lives on in all of us. She impacted and changed lives and is greatly missed.
I have great memories of working with Rose at West End when we had grades K-8 many years ago. Even with the vast grade span, were a pretty tight-knit group; those were good days. I remember visiting her in her office years later when she had moved on to Crain’s Creek as principal. She was the same as when we taught together; we shared a hug and many laughs. I’ll always remember her beautiful smile. I’ll be thinking of her family and loved ones. God bless you all.
I am so sorry about Rose’s passing. She was such a beautiful young woman who touched many of our lives. May God’s grace comfort you as you face these difficult days of adjusting to life without her.
God bless Rose and the entire Cooper family. Rose was such a nice, and beautiful person. A true Southern gem. May Rose be greeted in heaven by the light of God’s face, and all her family and friends be comforted during this difficult time of loss.
I will always remember and cherish the kindness and support that Rose gave me during our time serving Moore County Schools. One memory that is especially dear to me was when I became a new middle school principal. Rose (and Robin Lea) were the first people I called. Rose was the middle school expert and immediately took me under her wing by sharing her best strategies and philosophies with me. She always had a smile and was ready to lend a hand to anyone that needed her help. We also enjoyed the work of the Carthage Rotary with her and the other members, especially the BBQ fundraiser! Rosemarie Cooper made a difference for our children and the community that we will always keep close in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort are lifted for the family.
Our sincerest sympathies on the loss of your loved one.
May the memories you shared bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Women of Whispers
When Rose rolled into Robbins Elem we all fell in love with her. Staff, students and parents. Her kindness, sweet nature and that beautiful smile will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family.
May warmth and prayers embrace your family, friends and students.
My deepest sympathies to all of Mrs. Cooper’s family and friends.
Rose was one of the kindest people I have ever known and her smile would brighten anyone’s day. My deepest sympathy to Colton, Summer and Matthew. May God hold you tightly in the days ahead.
Rose was a wonderful and devoted person to her profession.
Heaven has added a glorious voice to it’s choir of angels. Rose, your earthly Cameron Presbyterian Church choir will miss you more than you know. You were always the epitome of grace and elegance…a true lady.
As someone who interacted with Rose through Carthage Rotary and enjoyed her hospitality and personality she will be sorely missed. She was a wonderful caring, giving lady . Peter & Doreen Little
Summer:
I so sorry to learn about your mother’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Faye Dasen
The world is a more beautiful place because of the impact of Rose’s life. May all of us cherish her memory and thus be motived to be better people.
Such a sweet, kind & gentle spirit. My condolences to the family!❤️
Rose Marie, I will cherish the memories we had as we grew up together. You were my cousin, my little sister, and most of all my best friend. We will all be together again playing the piano and singing praises to our Lord. Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel. Will keep you in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace, my dear sweet beautiful cousin. Love you <3<3
I grew up with Rose played basketball in elementary school and high school together and had many car rides first with her mom and then because Rose was older and started driving first and was gracious enough to haul her friends around to and from school and practice. Rose was always the kind of person to help out and do for others. What a wonderful soul this word lost but especially her family, my heart is Broken for Colton, Summer and Matt. May you find comfort in all the loving memories you created together, what a wonderful family❤️
Jo Beavers
May the Lord provide strength and courage to Summer, Matthew, and Colton in the days and years to come. It was an honor to have worked with Rose. She made an incredible impact on countless people, both young and old. May we treasure our memories of a beautiful lady and seek to be better individuals and give back to society as Rose would have all of us do in her honor. Fly high sweet friend until we meet again some fine day! Thanks for all the good memories as fellow educators and friends.
I just wanted to say you will be missed.
Michelle Aubrey
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for the loss of a bright shining star. Rose was a caring and compassionate person who helped teach me many things things throughout our time together. The amazing love she felt for helping others and raising her children is something that I will always remember. She treated my son with such love. Telling him she had passed was truly hard. He loved Mrs. Cooper, her cat Jude and the late Daphne. He loved watching those fur babies. Rose’s love for shopping and spending time with Matthew and Summer was evident everyday.
Colton, I am truly sorry for your loss and pray you find comfort in knowing she loved being with you.
Praying for you all. May her presence and smile keep you smiling. She is always near with her bright smile, caring heart and words of wisdom.
Rose, I am honored to have known you. Your beautiful voice and ability to direct was impeccable. Your love for children and family will live forever. I will say, heaven gained a wonderful person.
I’m saddened to hear of Rosemarie Coopers passing. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I worked with her many years ago at West End Elementary and then had the honor of seeing her again when she was the principal of Crain’s Creek. Always smiling and devoted to the children. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel! Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers!
Summer, My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. When you were my 3rd grade student I felt so blessed to have you as a student. Your mom was also a blessing. She always had such kind words for me and her radiant smile always made me feel appreciated. I was so fortunate that you and she were a part of my life’s journey. Your mom was such an amazing person and she will truly be missed. May it be comforting to you to know that others care.
We are so saddened to hear of Rose Marie’s death. She has always been close to our heart after all she and Jack were cousins. We have known her ever since she was born. She was a beautiful talented person with a lot of love for children and especially her own family. We will miss her so much! Our heart is breaking for her family. Just want you to know all of you are in our prayers! We are sending much love to each of you! May God Bless!!!!
Rose was a very special person loved to hear her sing rest in peace Prayers for family
RIP THIS SWEET LADY ROSEMARIA WE HAD FUN AT UNION PINES HIGH.YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED.UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN GO SING AND FLY HIGH.WITH LOVE AND SENDING PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. YOUR FRIEND WANDA GODFREY
The Lord has gained an Angel! Rose, you will always have a special place in my heart! My prayers are with your family as they mourn! Crain’s Creek will never be the same.
Love you Rose😘😘😘
May God bless your family in this time of great loss. She was a great lady and left pleasant memories with so many. Our prayers are with all.
Rose Cooper was a special individual and a unique educator. Her bright spirit and energy impacted all who came in contact with her. Rose’s laugh and smile were remarkable. Her genuine concern for others is something that should live on in all of us. She was an angel on earth.
Deepest sympathy to all Rose’s family. Rose was a very special young lady with so much to share with others.
RIP sweet lady, to Mrs. Cooper’s family keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Colton, Summer, Mattew,
My deepest condolences. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tama
Rose was such a lovely lady, her LOVE for life was contagious, she will be sorely missed, I am sending my most sincerest condolences to her family, May GOD usher her into HEAVEN.
Mr. Cooper, Summer ,Matthew and family,
Kim and I were grieved to learn of your loss of Rose. Kind, concerned and loving is how we remember her. She will be greatly missed. In her short life she leaves a legacy with family and the countless children she made a difference for. I will always appreciate her encouragement she gave me as our paths crossed. She will be greatly missed. May God bless you all and cradle you in His loving arms in your grief and in the days to come. We love you. Bruce and Kim Williams
Coop & Family,
My condolences to you all and you will continually be in my prayers! May God bless you and bring you comfort and peace. With all the stories heard, you guys lived the fullest life possible which is a true blessing!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Grover, Bryan and Crystal Hennings
Rose was my co-worker. She was always very pleasant and a caring person. I loved listening to the stories about her children and her husband. I remember complimenting a purse that she had. She told me the cutest story about her husband Colton and how he purchased it while he was on a business trip.
I will miss walking in every morning, seeing her smiling face.
I pray for the strength and comfort of her family.
A cousin I considered a sister-in-law, Rose made everything more fun! I’ll never stop missing her bright smile, attitude, encouragement and wisdom. Super sweet, but not a pushover, she was the perfect Southern blend. She always added flavor and a touch of class to our family get-togethers. I can’t imagine doing life without her on this side of heaven, but hold on to the belief that love never stops, it just changes. I love you, Rose, and will keep on loving your family until we meet again. Cousin Liz Salamy Abess (California)
On behalf of the US Army Special Forces Community and the Volckmann Training Facility, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Rose and remember her contribution to the community as an educator.
My condolences and prayers to the Cooper Family, we will always stand with you spiritually in your time of need.
Mark and Rita Vorpahl and Family.
Coach Carla Johnson rest easy sweet spirit
I have known the Cooper family for quite sometime. I first met them when they would come into Valenti’s for dinner. Most of the time, Colton was gone away serving our country. Rose was a very special person. I become to Kno her as a person when she was the principal at Cranes Creek School. She loves her students & loved her Jonas the principal. Rose always had a smile & always kind of.peope. She loved all people
I send my dearest sympathy to her family. Such a great loss. Rose, R.I.P. & keep your angel wings. She will always be greatly missed.
My dear Rose a summer time all year long ….I will sure miss you and I thanks God to place you in our path to bright our days….still in shock but you are another angel now watching over so many people you care for and love…..my sincere sympathy to Rose family a great woman…Ana Kirk
Cherish time spent with Rose at Moore County Schools, an outstanding educator for all of us on so many levels with such a gracious, giving heart and spirit.
Summer and all your family, my heart and prayers are with you. Your mom will be sorely missed by all of us, too. ❤️
Mrs. Cooper,
You were a wonderful teacher but even more perfect soul. We were all blessed to have you in our lives. Prayers for your family and friends during this most difficult time. You will be greatly missed!!
We cannot even begin to understand what you are going through right now, but we would like to offer our prayers and our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. We pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through this.
Rose will be sorely missed. She was an outstanding educator who selflessly shared teaching techniques and helped many instructors at the USAJFKSWCS Warrant Officer Institute. The teaching techniques Rose taught us will serve as just a part of her legacy. I will miss her.
I love reading these and how RoseMarie impacted so many. I was blessed to have her as a cousin and spend summers with her as a child as she babysat my sister and I. Rose was spontaneous and fun and always had creative things for us to do. She sang so beautifully even in the car belting out the top hits of the ’80s and she knew how to cook and entertain. She helped me with my application to Meredith College and I was always proud of her because if her name was mentioned, there was always something nice being said. I’ve always looked up to her and enjoyed our Thanksgivings and random visits and her supporting me and my dreams. My heart breaks for you Colton, Summer, and Matthew, and I know you will find comfort in knowing that the wife, mother, and friend you had was so very special to so many. Hugs and prayers, Love Angela
This picture of Rose is perfect to show her personality and love for life. I knew Rose and her family growing up in Cameron. When she and her family came back to Cameron Presbyterian Church, she brought such a gift to us with her special voice and that of her daughter’s. We were truly blessed to share her talents for many years. Love to you all. Cherish the memories you take with you.
Rose was the first Principal I had ever worked for at Overhills Middle School and she was a great role model for all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
Coop, our sincerest condolences and may God comfort you during these difficult times!
Tim and I will keep you in our prayers!
To say that Rose was beautiful inside and out and the world has been a better place because of her is an understatement. She was an amazing administrator who opened and created an atmosphere at CCMS that can never be matched. One could hope to only come close to filling her shoes there. My heart goes out to her family. I do hope they are comforted by the knowledge that Rose’s influence on education and individuals is her legacy that will continue indefinitely.
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