Loretta Robinson Cooper was born on October 1, 1942, to James and Louester Robinson in Cheraw, South Carolina. She departed this life on Monday, November 7, 2022.

Loretta grew up in Cheraw, where after losing both of their parents at an early age, she and her three sisters were raised by their paternal grandmother, Miranda Robinson. Their grandmother's disciplined style of raising Loretta and her sisters was crucial in the sisters staying focused in school while ensuring they had a stable home environment. Loretta went on to graduate from Long High School in 1960.

While attending high school, Loretta began dating Sidney Cooper, whom she had known for years. They dated until she graduated from high school. Upon graduation, Loretta moved to Connecticut where she lived with her sister, Margie. Shortly after, Sidney moved to Connecticut to find work and eventually they both settled in New York City. They were married on November 24, 1961 in Harlem, New York. This union lasted for 61 years in which they raised four children, Ronald, Anthony, Timothy, and Stefanie.

Loretta began a career at First National City Bank, in New York City where she worked for 10 years until the birth of her fourth child. She then decided to focus on raising her family. They bought their first home in Teaneck, New Jersey in 1978.

Loretta started her first managerial role as a neighborhood distribution supervisor for the newspaper, The Bergen Record until 1982. She then started working for Cokesbury Bookstore, a United Methodist Publishing House, where she rose through the ranks to follow her mentor, Ernestine Harvey, in becoming store manager. Loretta thrived in her role, she developed strong relationships with a variety of churches and clergy throughout the NY-NJ-CT Tri-State region. Her community outreach included setting up her book sales table at various local conferences, such as Hofstra University and the UMC General Conference.

Loretta excelled in balancing work and home life, she often had to spend time after store hours and on weekends visiting churches to measure for choir robes and church pew cushion orders.

Having an active church life was very important to Loretta. She worked and volunteered at various churches in the 1970s and early 80's. In 1984, Sidney and Loretta became members of Redeeming Love Christian Center in Nanuet, New York, where they served within the Host/Hostess ministry. Because of their faithfulness, Sidney and Loretta were installed as Deacons. Upon her and Sidney's retirement, they relocated to Winston-Salem, NC where they found a new church home in St. Peter's World Outreach Center. Here at St. Peter's, she joined the Mother's Board and she and Sidney have served as mentors in the Ultimate Marriage Builders ministry and volunteered with the Connect Team.

Loretta had a zest for life. She enjoyed family gatherings that were always filled with storytelling, laughter, and love. She loved flowers and it was important for her home to be decorated with them. She enjoyed tending to her house plants and her variety of flowers in her garden. She saw flowers as one of the many reflections of God among us.

Loretta loved to vacation, and she especially enjoyed the beach; her travels included Jamaica, Hawaii, Florida, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.

Her faith was paramount since she was a child. She made sure her children went to church and, with Sidney, encouraged them to develop a relationship with The Lord.

Her relationship with God allowed her to touch so many. Throughout the years, countless people have approached her children to express how they had grown to love her like a mother. All who knew her, no matter how brief the time, found warmth in her beautiful smile. She was a great friend, a natural counselor, confidante, and encourager. As we go about honoring her life, may we continue to reflect on how she served and loved the Lord.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents James and Louester Robinson; her sister, Louester Tucker; her brother, James Robinson, Jr.; and her oldest son, Ronald Cooper.

Loretta leaves her legacy to her loving husband, Sidney Cooper; sons, Anthony Cooper and Timothy Cooper; daughter, Stefanie Cooper; sisters, Annie Ford and Margie McRae; brother, Robert Robinson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, dear friends, "adopted" daughters, sons, and grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at St. Peter's Church & World Outreach Center. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Wednesday at the Church.