Virginia Cooper

Virginia Elizabeth Cooper, a beloved member of the South Nashville community, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at The Alive Hospice Residence in Nashville. Born in Mulberry, Tennessee, Virginia's life was a testament to resilience, faith, and service. She was born to Edward “Perk” Owens and his wife, Flora Mai Fox. She was delivered by her mid-wife grandmother in the sharecropper’s house, overlooking the last plantation where her maternal great-grandfather had been enslaved. She was the elder sister to her brother, Roy Davis Owens. Her early years were marked by her mother's courageous move to Nashville during the Great Migration, seeking better opportunities for her family. Flora Mai met and married Robert Lee Bonner, a railroad worker. She graduated from Draughon’s Business School as a seamstress/tailor.

Soon after Virginia arrived, she met her neighbor, Herschel Cooper, Jr. He decided at age 12 she was his “sweetheart.’ Subsequently, as young adults, they married and bore four children, two of whom survived: Lorraine and Kenneth.

She began her education in Mulberry, but upon moving to Nashville, she matriculated through the Carter-Lawrence and Cameron Schools before graduating from Pearl High School. Her high school courses in business would prove to be quite valuable. She studied at Draughon’s Business School and Tennessee State University, before earning a Certificate in Facility Management. 

Virginia's life was filled with pre-Civil Rights Era challenges, but she never permitted her environment to define her, finding solace and strength in her large extended family and faith. As an adolescent, she became an active member of Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her dedication to her faith was evident throughout her life, from her early days in Sunday School to her role as a Christian Educator, Steward Emerita, class leader, and proud president of the Bethel Pride Club for forty (40) years. Their annual Prayer Breakfast was renowned in Nashville. For nine (9) years, she served honorably as the Administrative Assistant to Pastor Michael Broadnax. Her spiritual gift of faith was most evident in her work with the Communion team, visiting and praying for the sick and shut-in members of her community.

Virginia's professional journey was equally remarkable. Through a member of Greater Bethel AME Church, she was among the first African Americans to be recruited into Tennessee State Government, where she broke barriers and opened doors for others. She was frequently sought out and promoted from file clerk to staff of the Tennessee Black Caucus, Administrative Assistant, and Personnel Director. Her career spanned over three decades, culminating in her role as the only African American and female Certified Facility Administrator. She managed three to five large office buildings occupied by State departments. Throughout her career, she was a mentor and a "mother" to many young women and men, always offering wisdom and encouragement. The Honorable Governor Ned McWherter worked closely with her at the State Capitol and at the Official Residence as she led an initiative in which state prison inmates worked at the mansion and state office buildings. Commendations from him are proudly displayed among her many awards. At her retirement, she received the Award of Merit from the Honorable Governor Don Sundquist.

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Virginia remained dedicated to her community. She was involved in numerous organizations, including the Davidson County Democratic Women's Club, NAACP, and the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), Parthenon Chapter. ABWA honored her as Boss of the Year before electing her as their stellar President. Under her leadership, the Chapter received its first National Star Award for Best Practices in Management.

Virginia is survived by her children, Dr. Lorraine Blackman (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Kenneth (Jeannie) Cooper (Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jerry Blackman, Jr. (Andrea); Kenneth Marcell Johnson, Sr.; Reginald Johnson, Sr.; and Teresa Blackman. Her survivors also include a host of great-grandchildren, extended family members and dear friends. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.