Mrs. Delores Cooper

Delores Cherry Cooper, affectionately known as Ann by family and close friends, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old.

Delores was born on March 6, 1940, in Martin County, North Carolina, to Mildred Hannah Cherry and Oscar Paul Cherry. She received her early education through Martin County Schools. She later pursued higher education at Hampton Institute, from which she proudly earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Delores dedicated more than 40 years to the teaching profession. Her distinguished career was spent with Hampton City Public Schools, where she taught at Barron Elementary School and for over thirty years at Aberdeen Elementary School. She loved being an elementary school teacher, and former students often shared their gratitude for her lasting impact.

A woman of steadfast faith, Delores joined Ivy Baptist Church in 1968. Grounded in her faith and guided by joy, Delores lived each day embracing the promise of Psalm 118:24--rejoicing in the day the Lord had made and encouraging others to do the same. She served in numerous ministries including the Gleaner Ministry, Hour of Power Prayer Group, Miracles of Faith Praise Dance Ministry, Virginia/North Carolina Day Leader, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, and the Young At Heart Senior Ministry.

In the community, Delores was also active with the YMCA, where she enjoyed water aerobics, Silver Sneakers, and fellowship with other members. She was also a faithful member of the Hampton Retired Teachers Association following her retirement in 1999.

Known as a classy, articulate, and poised lady, Delores loved to dress and look her best. With green as her favorite color, she delighted in shades that reflected renewal and serenity, beautifully complemented by her March birthstone, aquamarine—symbolic of calm, clarity, and grace, qualities she embodied throughout her life. She also had a special affinity for the color white and loved wearing red. Delores was rarely seen without a beautiful scarf, her signature lipstick, high-heeled shoes, and exquisite jewelry. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, participating in church activities, and spending cherished time with her family. One of her favorite ways to show love was by making her special pepper relish, a family favorite that everyone loved.

Above all else, Delores’s greatest joy was her sons. She loved Derrick and Maurice fiercely and unconditionally, took immense pride in the men they became, and found her deepest happiness in being their mother. Their lives, families, and accomplishments were her constant source of gratitude and joy. Delores also shared a deeply special bond with her daughters-in-law, Dwana and Stacia, whom she lovingly called her daughters, embracing them fully as her own. She was equally devoted to her granddaughters and never missed a school event, recital, or activity in which they were involved. Her presence, encouragement, and pride were constants in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Oscar Cherry; her husband Earnest Joseph “Joe” Cooper; and siblings Oscar P. Cherry, Robert Cherry, and Jacqueline Cherry.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons Derrick Cooper (Dwana) and Maurice Cooper (Stacia); granddaughters Brittany Cooper, Danielle Cooper, Amaya Cooper, and Alicia Cooper; great-granddaughter Roselani Batchelor; and sisters Rose Crudup, Louise Brown, Pauline Charles, Doris Dickerson, Mildred Cowart, Carol Spruell and Janie Williams (Reginald).    In addition to her immediate family, Delores leaves to cherish her memory, a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

It is the desire of the Cooper family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Delores Cooper has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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