Mary Rivers Cooper

Mary Rivers Cooper, age 85, of Tallahassee, left this world for the Kingdom of Heaven on August 9, 2023. She departed peacefully, surrounded by her cherished family, in the embrace of the home she had lovingly tended for the past 53 years. Mary Rivers taught her children and grandchildren the importance of familial bonds. She drew her loved ones close for birthdays and holidays, infusing every occasion with warmth and joy. Among these cherished occasions, Thanksgiving and Christmas were the pinnacle of celebration. Mary Rivers will be remembered by her family and friends for her steadfast reliability in times of need. Her unwavering support served as a beacon of comfort. Her devotion to her Lord extended to her role as a committed member and supporter of Faith Presbyterian Church, where she and her husband faithfully worshipped. With a heart for service, she held multiple positions within the church and eagerly volunteered to engage in charitable activities, including mission trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Madagascar, and more. An avid traveler, Mary Rivers had an unquenchable wanderlust, exploring diverse corners of the globe. Her artistic inclinations found expression through her various creative pursuits, including sketching, painting, sewing, photography, and the musical arts. She excelled as an artist, skilled gardener, and exceptional chef. Her passion for art and creativity extended to her family, and she wholeheartedly encouraged her children and grandchildren in their artistic endeavors. Renowned for her hospitable spirit, she opened her home to all, leaving an indelible mark through her graciousness. Born on December 15, 1937, in Chattahoochee, Florida, Mary Rivers spent most of her life in the Sunshine State. She was graduated from Leon High School and later went to Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, where she received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. On June 23, 1960, she married her husband, Charles, in Tallahassee, embarking on a shared journey to raise their family in Nashville, New York City, and Lawton, Oklahoma, before returning to Tallahassee to settle in 1967. Mary Rivers was predeceased by her parents, Alice (Buford) Stubbins and Richard Patteson Stubbins. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Charles L. Cooper; her children, Charles L. Cooper, Jr., and his wife, Greta J. Cooper; Richard G. Cooper and his wife, Jazz Cooper; Roger P. Cooper and his wife, Allison Cooper; Rachel N. Bond and her husband, Brian Bond. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren, Haley Lewellyn, Caroline Fugitt, Olivia Cooper, Tara Cooper, Lindsey Cooper, Mary Cooper, Josephine Rivers Bond, and Bryson Bond, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Lorelei Llewellyn, Adalind Llewellyn, Elizabeth "Libby" Fugitt, and Wells Fugitt. In lieu of flowers, Mary Rivers communicated her desire to be remembered through contributions to support the mission efforts in Madagascar. Contributions may be made by checks payable to Faith Presbyterian Church with “Mary Rivers Cooper/The Turks” noted in the memo line. Gifts may also be made online at www.faithpcusa.org/give/. The family will be receiving guests for a visitation at Bevis Funeral Home on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Subsequently, a memorial service is scheduled at Faith Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Faith Presbyterian Church, where her spirit of warmth and compassionate service to others will undoubtedly endure. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Mary Rivers Cooper

December 15, 1937 - August 9, 2023