Reeba M. Cooper

HER LOVE, HER LEGACY, HER LIFE WELL LIVED

Reeba (May) Cooper, 95, transitioned from mortality to immortality to receive her heavenly reward on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Sugar Fork Crossing Assisted Living and Memory Care in Anderson, Indiana after a brief illness.

Reeba was born on September 18, 1930, in Grady, Alabama, the eldest of four children to the union of Billie Joe, Sr. and Ruby R. May. As a young student, Reeba’s favorite subjects in school were health and science; she excelled academically and graduated from Helicon High School as the Valedictorian of her class.

Following graduation, she and the members of the May family relocated from Crenshaw County, Alabama to Anderson, Indiana in the 1950s. Reeba continued her academic pursuits by attending a local business college. She then met and married Mr. Jay Lewis of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who was a student of Theology at Anderson College (now Anderson University). To their union was born a daughter, Cynth’ya Kay Lewis, on September 13, 1956. Tragically, Mr. Lewis passed away after a brief and unexpected illness. Mrs. Reeba Lewis continued to work and raise their young daughter until in 1958, Mrs. Elizabeth DeGraffenreid, a friend and fellow member at Sherman Street Church of God, invited her to attend a program at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Anderson, Indiana. Mrs. DeGraffenreid had informed Reeba that she knew a nice young man that attended Allen Chapel that she wanted Reeba to meet. Reeba recalled that she was hesitant at first to accept the invitation; however, after Mrs. DeGraffenreid threatened to introduce him to other single female members at Sherman Street instead, she was persuaded to change her mind and accompanied Mrs. DeGraffenreid to the program at Allen Chapel. The young man, whose name was John Cooper, later recounted to their many family members and guests attending their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in June of 2009, that when he saw Reeba enter the doors of Allen Chapel that day, he knew at that very moment that she would be his wife. The two were joined in holy matrimony on June 20, 1959, at Sherman Street Church of God and to their union were born three children, Colette Maria on September 13, 1960, Philemon Lloyd on September 13, 1963, and Jason Cyril on October 30, 1973.

Reeba was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy came from caring for her family and creating a welcoming home filled with warmth, faith, kindness, and good old fashioned Southern home cooking. Reeba enjoyed gardening, reading (especially “Reader’s Digest”), sewing, cheering for the Indiana Pacers, and traveling whether by land, air, or sea. Her favorite musical artist was Aretha Franklin (who, just like Reeba, commanded “Respect”). One of the more unforgettable moments of her life occurred when she met the iconic Michelle Obama. Reeba also was an Avon representative and served as volunteer for 25 years at Community Hospital Anderson where she was able to effectively utilize her unique ability to engage with people from all walks of life. Reeba assisted patients and visitors at the Guest Services Desk and as a member of the Auxiliary Board. Her outstanding work did not go unnoticed as she was presented with the “Volunteer of the Month” Award by the hospital. Reeba also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA in Anderson.

Above all else, Reeba’s true joy in life was her dedication to serving God and her church for over 70 years, Sherman Street Church of God in many, many capacities throughout the years: Adult Choir, Benevolence Committee, Building Committee, Building Fund Committee, Kitchen Committee, Ministerial Search Committee, Trustee Board Member, Vacation Bible School Worker, Women of the Church of God International Ministry, and Christian Women Connection. But there was one area of ministry within the Church that truly defined her: the Ministry of Ushering. Reeba began Ushering at Sherman Street Church of God in 1965 and remained active until her death. Reeba served as President and Vice President of the Usher Board at Sherman Street Church of God, National Vice President of the National Association of the Church of God for 6 years, and Indiana State Usher Vice President of the National Association of the Church of God from 2006 until the present. She accomplished all the above achievements with her characteristic welcoming smile, a white gloved outstretched hand, and an open heart.

She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, John Cooper, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and commitment, her parents, Billie Joe, Sr. and Ruby May, and brothers L.C. May, and Billie Joe May, Jr.

Reeba is survived by her four adoring children: Cynth’ya Reed and her husband Kenneth R. Reed, Colette Cooper Cunningham and her husband Jessie J. Cunningham, Philemon Cooper and his wife Catrina Cooper, and Jason Cooper and his wife Melisa Cooper; her brother James May of Tucson, Arizona; 6 grandchildren (Crystal Reed, Kenneth Jay Reed, Roger Reed, Jaylon Cooper, Hannah Ripberger, and Kyla Cooper); and 2 great-grandchildren (Kameron Taylor and Preston Reed). She also leaves to cherish her memory of host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives along with special friends Esther Deans, Tim and Sharon Price, and Sidney and Beatrice Whittington.

Reeba will be remembered for her selflessness, her unwavering faith, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

L. C. May Funeral Services would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Cooper family.

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