Pauline Jamison Cooper

Bristol, VA - Pauline Jamison “Polly” Cooper, age 96, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Polly was born in Washington County, Virginia on February 3, 1918, daughter of Etta Woodward Jamison and Allen Jamison, who were lifelong Washington County residents. She grew up in Lindell, Virginia and was Salutatorian of her high school class at Greenfield High School. Polly attended Mary Washington College and finished her formal education at Bristol Commercial College. For several years prior to marrying her cherished husband “Cooper”, she was the Executive Secretary at Rohm-Haas Chemical Corporation in Knoxville, Tennessee, but happily exchanged her business career for that of a fulltime homemaker. Through the years when Gene’s career in the automobile business necessitated moves to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia, Polly easily made the transition to each new city with her typical optimism, “each day better than the one before” , can-do spirit. Home was a tranquil place, mainly due to her calm and cheerful demeanor. She was the quintessential homemaker: a wonderful, creative cook; an organized housekeeper who seemed to make tough jobs appear effortless; an experienced seamstress; and a loving mother who always made special time for each of her children. Because Polly was well- known among her friends for her “cake baking” ability, at one point in time she sold her delicious cakes to others, eventually accumulating a long waiting list for her baked goods. For many years Polly and Gene were avid bridge players and enjoyed the company of close friends for their Saturday night contests. Shortly after moving back to the Bristol area in 1970, Polly assumed the role of YWCA Bridge Club Coordinator, a task she approached with much enthusiasm and pleasure for many years. Polly and Gene were also proud members of State Street Methodist Church for forty-four years. Polly Cooper was a sweet and gentle soul, an exemplary individual who was loved and adored by all who knew her. She had only kind words for others and never spoke in anger to anyone. Polly’s life reflected an abiding faith and love of God. Those who were fortunate to be a part of her life will miss her immensely. In addition to her parents, Polly is preceded in death by her loving husband of seventy years, Charles Eugene (Gene) Cooper, her son Charles Eugene (Bud) Cooper II, and her sister, Beatrice Shacklett. She is survived by her children Carolyn (Connie)Hyland (Clem), James David Cooper (Vickie), and Polly Jennings (Hank), daughter-in-law Peggy Cooper, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister Beulah (Shug) Bray, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private celebration of Polly’s life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Cooper family is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276)623-2700.