Obituary of Gwendolyn Cooper

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Cooper (89) of Chapin, SC, passed away January 23, 2023. Born in Oakland, CA, Mrs. Cooper was a graduate of Oakland City College. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Eric George Cooper. She is survived by her children, daughters Christine Fort of Coble, TN, Laurel Gillespie (James T., deceased) of Batesburg, SC and son Adam Cooper of Catawba, NC; grandchildren Elizabeth Fort, McCade and Slade Cooper; and great grandchildren Aria and Reed Houghtaling.

Nomads at heart, the Coopers left California for career opportunities in South Carolina. A former resident of Orangeburg, Columbia and Santee, SC, Mrs. Cooper was a co-owner of The Sweet Shoppe in Dentsville, SC. Pittsburgh, PA and Spain were other residences along the way. Retiring to Winter Haven, FL, she taught computer skills to other seniors and edited the community newsletter. Ten years later Gwen and Eric returned to South Carolina and eventually settled in Chapin.

Gwen was a crack shot with a rifle, the result of being a member of the Rifle Team in high school. In addition to her love of family and friends, she would like to be remembered for her love of dogs. Mrs. Cooper was a charter member of the Greater Columbia Great Dane Club and bred champion Great Danes. After Gwen and Eric retired from showing dogs, they adopted shelter dogs for the rest of their lives.

Donations to your local animal shelter would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Memorial services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, February 24, 2023 at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29072.

Arrangements are being handled by Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington, SC.