Bernice Octavia Cooper died February 20,2009 at Savannah Grand Living Facility in Fernandina Beach., Fl. She was 103 years old. Bernice was born October 9, 1905 to the late Melvin Cooper, Sr. and Annie Bell Cooper Mitchell in Fernandina Beach, Fl. Bernice attended and graduated from Stanton High School, Jacksonville, Fl. She attended Florida A&M College Tallahassee Fl. and graduated with a BS degree in education in 1929. Post graduate studies were done at Teachers College Columbia University, New York City and North Carolina State College. Bernice taught school in various cities in Fl. retiring from Roosevelt High School, Lake Wales Fl. in 1968. During her professional career Bernice was the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding teaching dedication, and loyalty to her profession. After her retirement Bernice returned to her native home in Fernandina. Bernice's joy was traveling with friends throughout the United States, especially in New York state, there she enjoyed Broadway shows, the theater and Radio City Music Hall. Bernice was affiliated with the Florida Retired Teachers Association. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Lake Wales, Fl. and New Zion Baptist Church, Fernandina. Bernice's two sisters, Fredrica Jones,and Marguerite Rice, and one brother Melvin Cooper preceded her in death. To cherish her memory, nieces, Beverly Hall, Carolyn Cooper and Melvina Mitchell, Fernandina, grand niece Pamela Hall Houston Tx. cousins, Vera Rogers, Jacksonville, Oliver Jones (Katie) Gainesville, Fl. Devoted Friends Doris Wiggins, Jacksonville, Fl., Evangeline Gay, Lauderdale Lakes, Fl. Alma Kelly, Findley Point, Mt. and Martha Owens, Fernandina. Visitation will be at Huff and Batise Funeral Home, Fernandina Monday Feb.23, 2009 5-8 PM. Funeral services will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, Tuesday February 24, 2009 11AM, The Rev. Jermiah Robinson officiating. Interment will follow immediately after the service at Bosque-Bello Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Savannah Grand Living facility and Community Hospice for providing love, support and care for Bernice.

Published by: Florida Times-Union(Feb/24/2009)