Norma Jean Cooper

Norma Jean Cooper, 84, of Hannibal, Mo. passed away at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, Mo. Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, December 26, 2016, at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Rev. Tim Goodman will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Meredosia, Ill. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel. Norma Jean was born on October 16, 1932, in Valley City, Ill. the daughter of William Charles and Willie Essie (Cammire) Ross. She was previously married to Harry Eugene Cooper on October 28, 1950. Survivors include two sons, Thomas William Cooper (Helen) of Springfield, Ill., and Stephen Ross Cooper of Cedar Rapids, Ia., three daughters, Sherry Jean Silkwood ( Larry Graver) of Hannibal, Mo., Sally Theresa Hanzlik (Marcel) of Wynne, Ark., and Melinda Susan Cooper of Kansas City, Mo., seven grandchildren, Stacy Mayfield (Gary), Scott Bradshaw (Tonya), Keith Silkwood, Shane Cooper (Dayna), Windy Cooper, Emily Hanzlik, and Samuel Hanzlik, seven great grandchildren, Cole, Alexis, Trever. Allison, Gage, Brinklee, and Shya, and brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Janice Cooper. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cooper was preceded in death by a special friend, David Bown. Norma Jean graduated from Hannibal High School in 1950. She had previously worked at Douglas Community Center as the Director of RSVP. She later moved to St. Louis where she worked as a clerk in the juvenile justice system. Norma Jean was a very devoted mother to her children. She was active as a scout leader and other positions within the various activities that her children where involved in. Norma Jean was a member of the Lillian Lane Circle of Kings Daughters she also was a member of the Bridge Club. Norma Jean was an avid Cardinals fan and Rams fan. While living in St. Louis she was a season ticket holder for both the Cardinals and Rams. Norma Jean was a member of the First Christian Church in Hannibal. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Maple Lawn Nursing Home for their love and care for Norma Jean. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Lawn Nursing Home, Hannibal Nutrition Center or the Alzheimer's Association, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.