Mrs. Mary Helen Heard Cooper Johnson

Mary Helen Heard Cooper Johnson was born September 30, 1938, in Maben, MS, to Anderson and Josie Heard. She passed away quietly at home on June 21, 2025, at the age of 86. Mary Helen was baptized and attended Grove Chapel MB Church in Maben, MS. Later, after moving to Starkville, MS, she joined the Second Baptist Church and remained a member until her death. Mary Helen graduated from Oktibbeha-Webster County High School on April 22, 1955. She was both athletically and academically talented. While in high school, she lettered in basketball during the 1953-54 season and earned the “Most Valuable Player” award during the 1954-55 season. Mary Helen continued her education by attending Mississippi State University, Golden Triangle Community College, and Mississippi Valley State University. On August 7, 1955, Mary Helen married Elmer E. Cooper and to that union three children were born: Beverly Faye Cooper Gaspard of Charlotte, NC; Ronald Gene Cooper of Starkville, MS; and Kimberly Michele Cooper of Starkville, MS. Later she married James Monroe Johnson and welcomed 2 Stepsons: Tantrance Johnson and Marcus Lane. While living in Maben, Mary Helen worked at the Oktibbeha-Webster Hospital. After moving to Starkville, she worked at Prairie Opportunity, Mississippi Head Start, and the Health Department from where she retired. After joining Second Baptist Church, she participated in and enjoyed many activities. Some of these include the Gospel and Senior choirs and the Missionary Society. She also served as a teacher for the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Mary Helen was also very active in the community. She was a member of the NAACP and became an honorary lifetime member. Mary Helen was preceded in death by her husband, James Monroe Johnson, her brothers: AJ Heard, Joe Louis Heard, and Robert Heard; sisters: Lucille Heard, Catherine Cooper, and Josephine Kincade. She will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Beverly Faye Cooper Gaspard, Ronald Gene Cooper, and Kimberly Michelle Cooper. One sister: Ola Mae Boudry, and five brothers: Jimmy Dale Heard, John Anderson Heard, Eddie Rufus Heard, Willie Heard, and Tommie Lee Heard. Seven grandchildren: Kena, Joseph, Joshua, Shawna, Jordan, Jaleel, Jasmine; 14 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law: Catherine Hill, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

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Mrs. Mary Helen Heard Cooper Johnson

September 30, 1938 - June 21, 2025