Lura Edith Shelton Cooper

Lura Edith Shelton Cooper was born November 20, 1918, to John and Florence Wainwright Shelton of rural Hammond, LA.  She was the youngest of 7 children.  Her parents, 4 sisters, 2 brothers, husband, son, and 2 daughters-in-law all preceded her in death. Lura attended Hammond High School and in the 1930’s met her future husband, Henry Charles Cooper, of rural Ponchatoula. They married in 1936 and had 4 boys: Terry Charles Cooper, Gary Lee (Joy Carroll) Cooper, both deceased, Michael John (Sue Carroll) Cooper, and Wallace Wayne (Mary Carroll, deceased) Cooper.  Yes, 3 brothers married 3 sisters.  She had 10 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. In the 1950’s when her children were well into their school years, Lura put herself through nursing school.  She attended the Pascagoula branch of Perkinston Junior College graduating June 13, 1958 and receiving certification from the Mississippi state board on June 24.  She worked many years at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula.  In the late 1960’s when she and Henry moved back to Hammond, their hometown, Lura continued working through the 1990’s. She was a devoted wife and mother, loved people and enjoyed music.  She enjoyed attending Little Theater productions in the 1980’s and 90’s with her sister-in-law Kitty Guagliardo and her son Terry.  She came to be known as “Granny” and was an excellent cook. Granny’s rum cakes were particularly cherished and were always in high demand.  She made wonderful coconut cakes and would make them for her sisters-in-law on their birthdays.  She was a life long and faithful member of the Methodist Church.  Visitation will be held at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 100 West Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, from 9:00 am until religious services at 11:00 am conducted by her grandson Michael Cooper.  Interment will follow in Cooper Cemetery, Robert, LA.

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