Mary Cates Cooper

On February 4, 2020 our beloved mom Mary Cates Cooper passed away entering Heavens’ gates to meet her sweet Savior Christ Jesus.  Our hearts are filled with joy that she was with her loving family passing peacefully in her sleep.

She was a loving daughter to Dewey & Eva Cates and a wonderful wife to her loving husband Larry for 53 years.  Cherished by her children Cara & husband Dennis Sessions, Mindy-Andree & husband Dwayne Lyddon and Lance & Dana Cooper.  Adored by her grandchildren Julie, Jordon, Colin, Jenny, Hannah and Kara.

Mary was born on October 9, 1936 in Canton, Texas.  She graduated high school in Commerce, Texas.  Continuing her education, she graduated from East Texas State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art and English.  It was there she met her sweetheart Larry while attending a summer dance at the university campus “Chat-N-Chew”.

Her professional career began in Dallas, Texas as an elementary teacher and continued for the next 35+ years as a high school art teacher.  It was then that she decided to retire to “see the world” with Larry and enjoy her grandchildren.  Oh, the man adventures did they have!

She had an immense knowledge of art history and that later led her to a fascinating career as a docent at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.  Always the consummate teacher, Mary especially enjoyed her tours with school kids of all ages leading in her trusty apron!

“Marme,” as she was called, truly loved spending time with the grandkids!  It was going to involve lots of art somehow someway and she Larry “Papa” would chauffeur them around on many adventures in the “Big Tan Van”!

Mom, your kindness, selflessness, quick wit, ingenuity, strong faith and tenderheartedness will be in our hearts forever.  Now you rejoice in the loving arms of God.

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