Saundra Gayle Cooper was born April 28, 1956, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Dorothy Jean Thomas and John Preston Woods. San (as she was affectionally known) attended school in the Little Rock School District and graduated from the historic Little Rock Central High School in 1974. She met and fell in love with her high school sweetheart at Little Rock Central in 1972 and on December 1, 1978, the two united in holy matrimony. This sacred union was blessed with three children, Shaquail LaQuisha Cooper, Lee L. Cooper III, and Meleiah Cooper Ireland. At an early age, she accepted God's gift of salvation and she faithfully served God with her time, talent, and tithe; until she heard the voice from Heaven say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant, take your rest and welcome home." She was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church. For many years she was a servant leader in the nursery until 1995 when she felt led to serve in the media ministry. St. Mark's Media Ministry was her passion, and she was a committed member of the media team. For 28 years, she devoted her Sunday to working multiple services in the media room and did it with love. She loved her St. Mark family, and they could depend on her to show up and give her all. She was a prayer warrior, a lover of God's holy word, and a good steward of God's gifts. Her compassion for God's children sparked a desire for serving the community and she would often create and organize service projects that would help children who were less fortunate. In 1974, she matriculated to The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was employed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for 36 years. She was hired as a data entry clerk and later became a manager in Hospital Billing Services. She was active in this role for many years until her retirement in 2020. She had a fervent heart and was the nucleus of her family. She was an awesome wife, excellent mother, and the best granny one could ask for. She was a tremendous friend, an amazing sister, and an awesome cook. She could literally turn scraps into delicacies. She was dependable, offered great advice, and told the best stories. She was the epitome of grace and class and one who made you feel at home. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter Noelle, going to Walmart, and having lunch with her friends. Whenever she was driving, there was no doubt that she was listening to gospel music or sermons by her favorite preacher, Rev. Jerry D. Black. She would often gift people with his sermons to help them through difficult times. Her favorite sermon was, "Wolf Country." San was welcomed home by Dorothy Jean Thomas, mother; great-grandmother, Linnie V. Thomas, Nathaniel & Henrietta Thomas, grandparents- who all reared her; brother, Rickey Woods; aunts: Linnie Hood, Bessie Davis, & Deborah Thomas; and an uncle, Nathaniel Thomas Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory; a devoted husband of 44 years, Lee L. Cooper Jr.; son, Lee L. Cooper III (Welth); daughters: Shaquail LaQuisha. Cooper and Meleiah Cooper Ireland (Detriane); granddaughter, Noelle Ireland; brothers: Tony Woods and Raymond Nealy; sisters: Jocelyn Woods and Shajuana Gipson; uncle, Emmanuel Thomas; special cousins: Johnny Marshall (Gail), Dawn Davis, Barry Davis (Marilyn), and Kim Davis; friends for over 40 years: Pamela Frazier, Melody Thomas, Gail White, and Tina Mercer. When I've gone the last mile of the journey And the burdens of life are laid down, I shall stop at the portals of glory And exchange the old cross for a crown; All my trials will then be forgotten, It will all be one glorious day, I shall praise the dear Savior forever, When I've gone the last mile of the way. Cards can be sent to: Mr. Lee Cooper Jr. 10316 Peace Valley Road Mabelvale, AR. 72103 Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors " The Epitome of Service "

Visitation Monday, February 27, 2023 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Greater Second Baptist Church 5615 Geyer Springs Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 FAMILY HOUR Monday, February 27, 2023 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Greater Second Baptist Church 5615 Geyer Springs Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 WILL LIE IN PEACEFUL REPOSE Tuesday, February 28, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Saint Mark Baptist Church 5722 West 12th Little Rock, Little Rock 72204 CELEBRATION OF LIFE Tuesday, February 28, 2023 11:00 AM Saint Mark Baptist Church 5722 West 12th Little Rock, Little Rock 72204